The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone ‘C’, Owerri has intercepted a Mercedes truck loaded with 1,300 cartons of imported frozen poultry products, concealed with Polymers Vinyl Chloride (PVC) sheets and ceramic bath tubs with Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N12,400,000.00. The seizure was made on Benin-Ore express way two days before the Christmas day.
The Customs Area Controller of the unit; Comptroller Victor Dimka disclosed this while briefing newsmen yesterday on the seizures, during which he revealed that 31 seizures which include 21 vehicles have been recorded between 1st December to date with DPV N118,190,217.00).
He added that 23 arrests were made, while 22 cases are pending in different courts within the Zone ‘C’ axis.
Dimka who decried the incalculable harm being inflicted on the nation’s economy as a result of unabated smuggling of prohibited products into the country, warned those still engrossed in the act to desist forthwith or have themselves to blame if arrested.
“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”, he warned.
According to him, one suspect was arrested in connection with the smuggling of the imported frozen poultry product and 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.”
The destruction of the seized imported frozen poultry products was carried out immediately in the premises of Customs House Benin, which was witnessed by the Nigeria Police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corp, Department of State Security, NAFDAC, and the media.
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, Col. Hameed Ibrahim Ali (Rtd.), has repeatedly warned smugglers operating in the country to change business or face the wrath of the law.
Dimka made it clear that all suspects arrested in connection with smuggling activities who are on bail, are still not free until the determination of their cases in court; and those found to have contravened the law would be jailed.
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