…as NCS seizes 8 trailer loads of foreign parboiled rice
Laide Raheem, Abeokuta
The Ogun 1 Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has said that the persistent seizure of Cannabis Sativa by its operatives from smugglers will go a long way in preventing the youth from having access to harmful substances capable of truncating their future.
The Controller of the Command, Ahmadu Bello Shuaibu, who stated this while briefing newsmen on the activities of the command in the month of October, 2023, at Idiroko Border Post, added that the seizure of foreign used pneumatic tyres will help in safeguarding motorists from road mishaps which could lead to death or permanent disability.
Reeling out achievements of Ogun 1 Area Command between October 1 and 31, Shuaibu said the Command generated the total sum of N30,408,276.00 as revenue, through baggage assessment and auction sales of seized petroleum products.
He noted that the revenue was a significant 400% increment over a N5,487,076.00 collected in the corresponding period in 2022, adding “we are able to achieve this feat due to our unwavering commitment to trade facilitation and robust stakeholders’ engagement”.
The Customs Area Controller explained that his men and officers’ resolution to combat smuggling has enabled the Command to record a total seizure of 122 items comprising 901 parcels of Cannabis Sativa, commonly known as Marijuana or Indian hemp; 500 pieces of foreign-used Pneumatic Tyres, more commonly known as Tokunbo tyres; 23 units of vehicles used as means of conveying prohibited goods and 5 foreign used vehicles commonly known as Tokunbo.
Other seizures according to him included 4,684 bags of foreign parboiled rice in 50kg each, which is an equivalent of 8 trailers load, among others.
He, however, put the Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the seizures recorded by the Command at N398,470,687.00.
“The persistent seizure of Cannabis Sativa, Foreign used Pneumatic tyres and other dangerous goods, is a testimony of the Command’s relentless efforts and resilience in preventing our teeming youth from harmful substances which could either truncate or render their lives useless. It is also a proof of our concern in safeguarding our motorists from road mishap which could terminate their lives or subject them to permanent disability.
“We are determined to make our society a safe place to live with peace of mind and an enabling environment for our businesses to thrive.
“Our success story is attributed to the enabling working atmosphere created by the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi and his management team. As a matter of fact, we recently took delivery of 8 Toyota Land Cruiser trucks, provided by the CGC to enhance our anti-smuggling operations”, Shuaibu stated.
He further attributed the successes recorded by Ogun 1 Area Command to the strategic deployment of men and officers, deployment of intelligence and collaborative efforts of the sister agencies as well as other critical stakeholders.
“Let me use this opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to stemming the tides of smuggling in Ogun State and warn recalcitrant smugglers or would-be smugglers to steer clear of smuggling activities or face the consequences. Failure to heed these warnings await them gross financial loss and full wrath of the law”, Shuaibu submitted.