The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Ogun 1 Area Command impounded goods worth N1.3 billion between May to June around Ogun State and its environs.
Briefing Journalists on Monday, the Area Comptroller, Bamidele Makinde, explained that the command generated N12.8 million from the importation and auction of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) intercepted at different locations and exit points to the Republic of Benin during its anti-smuggling operations between May to June.
He explained that the cumulative estimated Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the seizures between May and June amounted to N1,290, 108,608.00.
The Customs boss said as part of synergy and collaboration with sister security agencies in the state, operatives of the command intercepted illicit drugs and narcotics in the course of their routine patrols.
He listed the illicit drugs to include 117 small sacks, six big sacks, 1,100 wraps (book size), 81 wraps (coconut size) of cannabis sativa, and a carton containing 1,100 packets of Tramadol (225mg per table ×10).
Also seized were 390 Cartons of frozen poultry products,19 bales and 104 sacks of foreign used clothes, 120 cartons of new foot wears (including 23 pairs of new slippers), 53 cartons of foreign used shoes, 122 cartons of foreign wine.
The command also seized 72 pieces of used compressors, 10 vehicles, two foreign used vehicles, four motorcycles, 289 cartons of imported tomato paste and vehicle spare parts.
The Customs boss added that a smuggled truckload of about 320 cartons (23,400 pairs) of imported footwears, which fell under Import Prohibition List, Schedule 3 of Common External Tariff (CEF), with an estimated DPV of N764,974,800.00, was intercepted during intelligence-driven anti-smuggling operations.
“A fuel tanker suspected to contain 45,000 litres of adulterated diesel with an estimated Duty Paid Value of N81,823,200.00, was abandoned by a suspected bunkerer who absconded upon sighting our operatives along Sagamu-Ijebu Ode Expressway.
“In addition, about 10,973 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), popularly known as petrol, was seized and disposed of in line with extant laws,” he said.
Makinde said two vehicles laden with 882 bags/50g each of foreign parboiled rice were seized within Abeokuta axis, in line with sections 46 and 169, respectively of Customs and Excise Management Act CEMA, CAP C45 L.F.N.2004.
Makinde attributed the achievement to the command’s intensified anti-smuggling operations as this had continued to gain momentum and culminated in the seizure of many goods.
“The synergy and collaboration with sister security agencies in the state had also contributed to this remarkable progress,” he said.
Makinde commended the sister agencies, critical stakeholders and traditional rulers for their collaborative efforts and synergy with the Customs in the state. nan.
