A team from the Ethiopian Revenues and Customs Authority investigated Nile Drilling and Exploration plc for alleged evasion of customs duties on imported items to Ethiopia.

The team seized a water well drilling rig from the company’s garage according to sources. It was alleged that  the rig had not fulfilled mandatory customs formalities.

The water well drilling rig passed Modjo checkpoint and was taken to the Indian company’s garage without passing the Kality Customs clearance point said the sources. This was found to be in contravention of customs procedures which require imported items entering the capital to be cleared by the Kality office before their owners can take legal possession of them.

The ERCA team is carrying out an investigation into the potential illegalities in the activities of Nile Drilling and Exploration according to ERCA sources.

The fact that the water drilling rig was transported outside of the regular route established for customs clearance for the import of goods is clearly illegal explained the sources. 

The water drilling rig was taken to the company garage located close to the Kality customs office by mistake claimed the unofficial explanation from Nile Drillings. The company has duty free privileges to import the rig and has no reason to evade customs it was said.

ERCA is yet to announce whether legal action is contemplated against the company for customs evasion.

Source: The Reporter