The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Seme border command on Wednesday said it intercepted contraband worth over N2.8 billion, including 27 trailer-load of foreign parboiled rice smuggled into the country through neighbouring Benin Republic in the months of September and October.
Speaking while displaying the seized items to newsmen in his office, Mohammed Uba Garba, Customs Area Controller of the command, said the command also seized 21 exotic vehicles worth N135 million within the period under review.
According to Garba, 57 packs of Tramadol worth N11 million, 40 pieces of used textiles cost N774,270 and 115 cartons of imported frozen poultry products worth 728,654, were among the consignments that were seized.
He said, “During this two months, our resolute determination to succeed resulted in an impressive revenue generation of N1.9billion that we realized for the period under review. Similarly, the uncompromising stance of the enforcement unit led to the seizure‘ of 850 items with a duty paid value (DPV) of N378 million.”
Listing the seizures, Garba said the bags of rice seized were equivalent to 27 trailers and worth N302.4 million.
He said, “The seizures were 16,729 bags of 50kg foreign rice which is equivalent of 27 trailers of rice. N302,477,040, 115 cartons of imported frozen poultry products worth N728,654; 57 X 50 litres of jerry cans of vegetable oil worth N400,440 and 111 pieces of used tyres worth N859,345.
“Others are 21 vehicles worth N134,410,536; Jerry can petroleum products worth N300,572 378; 50kg bags of sugar worth N7,394,521 and 40 pieces of used textiles worth N774,270.
“57 packs of Tramadol N11,090,832; 387 sacks of coconut N2,313,360 and general goods worth N52,005,135 making a total of N2,839,507,352.66.”
Seven suspects connected to the act were arrested, and were in various stages of investigations and conviction, he said.
“Beyond the above statistics, it is obvious that the seizures represent protection of the economy and security of our people. Let me state clearly that it is simply not enough to inform you about the revenue and seizures (with the DPV); what is of paramount importance is to boost our economic growth and provide employment for our teeming youths.”
To him, the rationale behind the government policy on rice is geared towards self-sufficiency in terms of food production that would meet the demand of the citizenry. “Incentives have been created for rice farmers, individuals and state governments have committed so much in terms of finance in order for this goal of self-sufficiency to be actualised.
“We as a Command cannot afford to be complacent. The dangers inherent in this illegality are too numerous to mention, hence our resolve to fight them relentlessly.
“Among the seizures recorded, are imported frozen poultry products. As you are aware, such products are unhealthy and very dangerous for human consumption due to the chemical substance used in preserving them, which are carcinogenic.”
He assured that the command is not out to frustrate members of the public or indeed the business community, but to facilitate legitimate trade
