The Customs Area Controller of Apapa Command, Comptroller Mohammed Abba-Kura disclosed that the items were being taken out of the country to Vietnam in a one-unit 20 feet container with the number CSLU 2362640 when they were intercepted.
He said that the items, comprising 162 sacks of pangolin scales weighing 8,800kg and 57 sacks of mixed endangered species of various sizes such as ivory/animal horns, lion bones and others were falsely declared as furniture components.
“On Jan 21, based on credible intelligence, Customs operatives at the export seat of Apapa command successfully detected and arrested one unit of 20 feet container which was processed for export and falsely declared as furniture component.
“Immediately the container was opened, logs were seen in front, and upon 100 percent physical examination of the container, elephant tusk, and the pangolin scales were seen concealed by the logs,” he said.
He said that an agent had been arrested and detained after an unnamed lady was picked by operatives.
”The Convention of International Trade-in Endangered Species (CITES 1973) entails that Customs Administration all over the world protects wildlife by intercepting illegal trade on such animals,” he added.