Customs seizes nine trailers loaded with rice and poultry products worth NOK 872 million in Ogun
As part of its Christmas anti-smuggling operation, the Federal Operations Office (FOU) Zone A of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has seized 50kg bags of foreign rice loaded in nine trailers. 1,926 cartons of frozen chicken products and 18,100 liters of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).
The seized items, along with other items valued at N872 million, were from smugglers in Ogun State. Customs also seized a Toyota Highlander that cleverly concealed bags of suspected foreign parboiled rice in Iju-Ojuore, Ogun State. In addition, 11 suspects were arrested in connection with some smuggled goods.
Other items include 376 bales of used clothing, 337 used compressors, and three 40-foot containers containing 3,838 used tires. 13 used cars (Tokunbo) and 396 cartons of frozen fish.
Displaying the seized items at a customs warehouse in Ikeja, Lagos State, the Acting Controller of FOU Zone A, Mr. Hussein Ejibunu, said strategic deployment of personnel in intelligence-based counter-smuggling operations led to the discovery. .
Mr Ejibunu said sophisticated concealment plays an important role in smuggling operations and is an activity that allows perpetrators to hide illegal goods.
He said the seizure reflects the fulfillment of the Customs' function of protecting the country's economy and preventing the importation of prohibited and harmful products into the domestic market.
Regarding revenue collection, Mr. Ezibunu said that NOK 71.2 million was generated through thorough document checks and subsequent issuance of dunning notices for shipments found to have paid less than the appropriate customs duty.
The controller said it was Customs' determination to work hard towards improving detection methods with the help of information. He called on the public to support the service by providing useful and timely information to curb smuggling.
Source: guardian.ng