In a shocking discovery, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has seized a staggering N289.5 billion ($193,000 USD) concealed in a carton of yogurt at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.
According to Abdullahi Maiwada, spokesperson for the NCS, the seizure was made on Thursday, following a thorough baggage inspection of an inbound passenger on Ethiopian Airlines Flight No. 951 from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
The concealment of such a large amount of cash is a clear violation of the Anti-Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022 and the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023. Both laws require travelers to declare cash exceeding $10,000 (or its equivalent in negotiable instruments) upon arrival or departure.
This seizure highlights the NCS's commitment to combating financial crimes and enforcing compliance with customs regulations. The agency's efforts aim to prevent illicit financial flows and promote transparency in international trade.
The NCS has urged travelers to comply with customs regulations and declare all goods and cash accurately to avoid seizures and penalties.
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