Customs intercepts 250 live turtles, other contrabands worth N3.32 billion

Two hundred and fifty live turtles have been intercepted by the Nigeria Customs Service, Michael Awe, the area controller in charge of Murtala Muhammed Airport command has said.

Awe noted that the turtles were intercepted alongside military accoutrements and other contrabands worth N3.32 billion.

Addressing journalists at the command headquarters on Wednesday, November 20, Awe said the items came into Nigeria from Canada Turkiye, among others, between July and October.

He also stated that the animals and other items contravened some provisions of the extant laws as enshrined in the Nigeria Customs Service Act (NCS Act) 2023.

“Efforts to combat illicit trade yielded impressive results, with total duty paid value of seized items amounting to N3.32bn between July and October 2024.

“These items include 23 pieces of walkie-talkies, 175 pieces of military helmets, 50 pieces of drones, 10 packs of cannabis sativa, and 250 pieces of live turtles,” Awe added.