Amid lockdown, no fewer than 14,951 bags of smuggled rice, and 225 used vehicles popularly called Tokunbo in local parlance, were intercepted by the Ogun Area 1 Command of the Nigeria Customs Service(NCS).
The Controller of the command, Comptroller Michael Agbara, disclosed this on Friday at the Idiroko border office of the command in Ipokia Local Government Area of the state.
He said the seizure of the bags of smuggled rice (50kg) was the highest so far made by his command in the first quarter of 2020.
Giving a breakdown of the seizures, Agbara said the command recorded revenue totalling N37, 878, 000 within the period under review, noting that the Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the smuggled rice was N1, 177, 161, 384.
Agbara also disclosed that the difference in the DPV of the rice was N738, 210, 158 when compared to N438, 951, 226 posted as DPV on seized smuggled rice in the first quarter last year.
He also disclosed that other seizures made were 293,015 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (petrol) and 9,161 cartons of poultry products.
“It will interest you to know that within the period of 1st January to 31st March, 2020, we have generated a total revenue of thirty seven million, eight hundred and seventy eight thousand naira (N37, 878, 000.00) from direct auction of seized 293,015 litres of PMS, 625 litres of Diesel and 19 jerry cans of kerosene (25kg each).”
“Furthermore, the Command’s Special Taskforce, intercepted nine vehicles (7 SUVs Nissan Pathfinder and 2 Mazda) fully loaded with smuggled parboiled rice.
It is important to bring to the notice of the public that during the lockdown, some daredevil smugglers ingeniously explored the difficult terrain with SUV vehicles to convey smuggled items into the country.
The proactive activities of Officers and Men in Command led to remarkable seizures of such categories of vehicles conveying smuggled items.
As a responsive and responsible Service, we remain resolute and focused in making sure that economic saboteurs are brought to their knees.
“The Command also intercepted 176 sacks, 1, 790 Parcels, 80 compressed book packs, 28 compressed coconut packs and 4 wraps of cannabis sativa (Indian Hemp).
“All the aforementioned seizures of petroleum products were meant for illegal exportation in defiance to extant Federal Government policies. It is important to note that all items imported into Nigeria for home use are not permitted to be exported,” he added.