By Demilade Michael
The Ogun 1 Area command of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), on Thursday disclosed that it has intercepted contraband worth N380,370,911 within the last 23 days of the assumption of office of Comptroller James Ojo, as the command helmsman.
The Ogun 1 Area Controller, Comptroller Ojo, who disclosed this at a press conference in Abeokuta, Ogun State capital, said, through intensive intelligence strategies and collaborative efforts with agencies such as the Customs Intelligence Unit and the Department of State Services (DSS), the Command was able to intercept a total of 103 items at various locations within Ogun State.
According to Comptroller Ojo, the seized items included, 90 sacks and 1,309 parcels of cannabis sativa, 1,596 pieces of foreign-used pneumatic tyres, 2,922 bags of foreign parboiled rice weighing 50kg each, 32 bales of used clothes, 1,603 cartons of frozen poultry products, and 22,600 litres of Premium Motor Spirit, among others.
Ojo emphasized the adverse effects of the seized items on societal well-being, particularly highlighting the dangers of cannabis sativa and foreign-used pneumatic tyres.
He reiterated the government’s policy on the prohibition of rice importation through land borders, emphasizing the need to promote local production and self-sufficiency to foster economic growth and development.
In addition to its anti-smuggling operations, the Command also generated revenue amounting to N14,628,661 through baggage assessment and auction sales of petroleum products.
Comptroller Ojo assured compliant traders of the Command’s maximum cooperation while issuing a stern warning to economic saboteurs to desist from smuggling activities and embrace legitimate trade practices.
He reaffirmed the command’s dedication to duty and commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of the people of Ogun State.
He said “during the period under review, the Command made a total seizure of 103 items comprising 90 sacks and 1,309 parcels of cannabis sativa; 1,596 pieces of foreign used pneumatic tyres; 2,922 bags of foreign parboiled rice of 50kg each; 32 bales of used clothes, 1,603 Cartons of frozen poultry products, and 22,600 litres of Premium Motor Spirit, among others. The cumulative Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the seized items amount to N380,370,911.
“ It is of essence to state that the aforementioned items were intercepted at different locations within Ogun State, with the aid of intensive intelligence strategies and concerted efforts of our intelligence network such as the Customs Intelligence Unit, DSS and others.
“Permit me to briefly highlight the adverse effect of the seized items on the wellbeing of our citizenry, especially the cannabis sativa, pneumatic tyres and foreign rice.
“Cannabis Sativa, commonly known as marijuana or Indian hemp is a psychoactive drug that is derived from the cannabis plant. It has devastating effect on the lives of its consumers, especially our youths.
“The rise in its abuse is of great concern within the Nigerian society and a threat to our national security, due to its potential influence on criminal activities, such as armed robbery, banditry, cultism, kidnapping terrorism and other criminalistics.
“Foreign-used Pneumatic Tyres, more commonly known as Tokunbo tyres, are ring-shaped protective coverings made of rubber and filled with compressed air, typically used in foreign countries, and shipped into the country after use overSeas.
“These tyres are deemed unsuitable for our highways because, significant number of them have exceeded their recommended lifespan from their manufacturing dates.
“According to safety experts, good-quality pneumatic tyres are safe for use for only four years from the date of manufacturing. Any usage beyond this duration poses a significant risk to motorists and put their lives in jeopardy.
“Rice is a staple food eaten in many homes in the country. Its importation through the land borders was prohibited by the Federal Government of Nigerian (FGN) to encourage local production and be self-sufficient, as Nigeria is blessed with vast and fertile lands.
“This policy of the FGN may be perceived as difficult and unfriendly, but has a long-term great benefit when embraced. For instance, the much-appreciated foreign rice is a local produce in the countries of exportation, and these countries commenced their production with insignificant quantity before getting to their present commercial status.
“In a nutshell, the persistent smuggling of rice will continue to hamper our economic growth and development as a nation. We will overcome the economic situation in the country by God’s grace.
“Let us give the required support and cooperation to Nigeria Customs Service, and by extension to the FGN to improve our social security and economic wellbeing.
“To complement our anti-smuggling exploits, the Command generated the sum of N14,628,661 as revenue through baggage assessment and auction sales of petroleum products.
He warned economic saboteurs to steer clear of smuggling activities and embrace legitimate trade, stressing that anyone caught in the act, will be made to face the wrath of the law.
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