Customs intercept N468m contraband in Oyo, Osun
The Controller of Oyo/Osun Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, Compt Joseph Adelaja, has said the command intercepted smuggled goods valued at 468,706,602 within 17 days in March.
Adelaja disclosed this on Monday, at a press briefing held at the command’s operational headquarters in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
“I am pleased to inform you that, within the last 17 days after the command’s maiden press briefing under my distinguished leadership, the command has once again recorded a significant seizure of foreign parboiled rice, cannabis sativa, used tyres, used clothes, used shoes and used compressors with a Duty Paid Value of N468,706,602,” Adelaja said.
The seizures included 2,030(50kg) bags of foreign parboiled rice with DPV of N223,300,000; 28 bales of used clothes with DPV of N20,160,000; one bale of used shoes with DPV of N420,000; 28 pieces of used refrigerator compressors with DPV of N1,764,000 and eight pieces of used air conditioner compressors with DPV of N252,000.
Others were 167 pieces of used tyres with a DPV of N16,032,000; 167 (25-litre kegs) of Premium Motor Spirit with a DPV of N4,592,500; 660kg of cannabis sativa with a DPV of N21,780,000 and three trucks with DPV of N180,406,102.
He said the achievement was made possible through effective intelligence sharing by the Customs Intelligence Unit, the Customs Police Unit, and the unwavering support of relevant stakeholders that collaborated with the command to accomplish the milestone.
Adelaja disclosed that out of the seizures, 2,030 (50kg) bags of foreign parboiled rice with duty paid value of N223,300,000 were concealed in three heavy-duty trucks.
“Notably, those foreign parboiled rice were concealed in three heavy-duty trucks.
“Unfortunately, these trucks were used to smuggle prohibited items.
“These illegal activities do not only undermine the nation’s economic development but also pose serious threats to the safety and well-being of our citizens,” Adelaja said.
He called on relevant stakeholders and patriotic citizens to continue extending their support and cooperation in the fight against smuggling and other illegal activities.
Adelaja warned smugglers to desist from illegal activities detrimental to the economic growth of the country, adding that the command would not leave any stone unturned to enforce necessary compliance with Customs laws.
He appreciated the Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi and his management team for the support extended to the officers and men of the command in ensuring the efficient discharge of their duties.
Adelaja also expressed appreciation to the Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, for ensuring the enabling environment for officers and men of the command.
