Customs intercepts 1,300 cartons of poultry products

Confiscates 21 vehicles <em

THE Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone ‘C’, Owerri has intercepted a mercedez truck loaded with one thousand, three hundred (1,300) cartons of imported frozen poultry products valued at N12.4million.

According to the unit, the products confiscated along Benin-Ore Expressway  were concealed with Polymers Vinyl Chloride (PVC) sheets and ceramic bath tubs.

The Customs Area Controller (CAC) of the unit, Comptroller Dimka Victor David also revealed that from December 1st and as at press time,  thirty-one (31) seizures have been recorded including twenty-one (21) vehicles with Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N118.1million.

Also within the period, the unit explained that twenty-three (23) arrests were recorded with 22 cases pending in different courts within the one ‘C’ axis.

Dimka, according to a statement issued by the unit’s Public Relation Officer, Onuigbo Ifeoma, decried “the incalculable harm being inflicted on the nation’s economy as a result of unabated smuggling of prohibited products into the country”.

He warned those still engrossed in the act of smuggling to desist forthwith or  have themselves to blame, “We will continue to make this Zone very very hot and uncomfortable for smugglers to remain in business and we are not mincing words about this”.

According to him, one suspect was arrested in connection with smuggling of the imported frozen poultry product, adding that the suspect is “now undergoing interrogation for further prosecution in court”.

He stressed that the NCS is trying to ensure that it does not give any chance to smugglers until they are brought to their knees, warning “a word is enough for the wise.”

According to the statement, the destruction of the seized imported frozen poultry products was “carried out immediately in the premises of Customs House Benin”, noting that it was witnessed by the Nigeria Police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corp, Department of State Security, National Agency for Food Drug and Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the press.

Dimka expressed delight at the desirable and cordial synergy between the NCS and other sister agencies such as the Nigeria Police, State Security Service (SSS), Nigerian Army, National Drugs Law and Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) in the fight against smuggling and expressed optimism that “this would continue to grow from strength to strength”.

The Area Controller affirmed that  the determination of Nigeria Customs Service to reposition itself for greater challenges is “unstoppable, just as the Comptroller General of Customs (CGC), Col. Hameed Ibrahim Ali (Rtd.), has repeatedly warned smugglers operating in the country to change business or face the wrath of the law”.

The CGC  had during his visit to the zone said: “Smuggling is one of the dangerous activities which affect the nation’s economy, so, smugglers should change business because it is an illegal business. Many people are of the belief that smuggling is a legal source of livelihood, but it is not; it’s an illegal business.’’

Dimka said all suspects arrested in connection with smuggling activities who are on bail, are still not free until the determination of their cases in court, noting that those found to have contravened the law would be jailed.