Customs Impound 4,138 Bags Of Rice, 592 Kegs Of Petrol In Ogun State (Photos)

Officials of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has disclosed that it impounded 4,138 (50kg) bags of smuggled rice and six sacks of cannabis sativa, among others in Ogun State.

The command also confirmed the seizure of 830 cartons of frozen poultry products, 15 vehicles, used foreign clothes, bags, shoes and others in the month of August.

In the month under review, the NCS in Ogun put the cumulative duty paid value of all its seizures at N72,589,473.

At a press conference he addressed at the command’s headquarters in Idiroko border, the Comptroller, Peter Kolo, stated that the command generated a sum of N1,997,500 from the auction of seized petroleum products and scrap metals, saying the Ogun State borders are still closed to customs operations.

“The command has made significant progress in its anti-smuggling operations in the State during the month of August, 2021, with a total record of Ninety Five (95) seizures comprising 4,138 bags of foreign parboiled rice of 50kg each, 830 cartons of frozen poultry products, 15 units of both foreign used vehicles and means of conveyance, six sacks of cannabis sativa and other illicit drugs, 6 bales and 15 sacks of used/second hand clothings, six sacks and 90 pieces of used handbags, 16 sack and 34 pairs of used shoes, 592 kegs of petroleum products of 25 litres each made for smuggling outside the country and many other items,” Kolo explained.

While commending the gallantry of all his officers “in the face of sustained intimidation and unwarranted attacks by desperate dare devil smugglers”, the customs boss urged them to maintain a high level of professionalism in carrying out their statutory duties.

Kolo also appreciated sister security agencies, traditional rulers and other critical stakeholders for “their synergy and collaboration with the NCS.”

He added that 20 suspected smugglers had been dragged to court over illegal importation of contrabands.

He spoke further that the campaign of calumny and blackmail against the command by some students or any other group and their sponsors “will not discourage our resolve to succeed in the battle against enemies of the state.”