Customs impounds N1.07b contraband, arrests 16 smugglers

The Zone C of the Nigeria Customs Federal Operations Unit in Owerri, has impounded various contrabands worth N1.07 billion in the last one month.

Area Controller of the zone, Mohammed Garba, said while displaying the seized items before newsmen in Owerri, that 16 suspects were arrested in connection with the items.

“Our job is not to frustrate members of the public or the community, but rather to facilitate legitimate trade,” he said.

Garba said the seized items included 2,522 bags of rice, 16,115 cartons of frozen poultry products, 720 cartons of vegetable oil, 1,618 cartons and 1,466 pieces of furniture. Others were 39 pieces of used fridge compressors, nine used vehicles, 29 bales of second hand clothes, 480 pairs of used shoes, 268 pieces of used tyres, and 1, 964 pieces of car spare-parts.

The official called for the tightening of the nation’s borders to prevent smuggling, and safegaurd national interest.

“Beyond the above statistics, these seizures represent protection of the economy and wellbeing of our people.

“Among the seizures are imported frozen poultry products which are unhealthy and also dangerous for human consumption due to the chemical substances used in preserving the products which is carcinogenic,” he said.