The Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone “C” of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has recorded another major breakthrough in the onslaught against smuggling of contraband frozen poultry into the country.
The Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone “C” of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has recorded another major breakthrough in the onslaught against smuggling of contraband frozen poultry into the country.
Two trucks loaded with the banned items numbering 685 cartons of frozen poultry products with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N30, 595, 050.00, concealed with 4,400 cartons of La’casera apple drinks and 50 bags of locally-made animal feeds were impounded by the eagle-eyed officers and men of the Zone ‘C’ on the Asaba/Onitsha and Calabar axis respectively.
The Customs Area Controller of the Owerri-based unit, Mr Victor Dimka disclosed this while briefing newsmen on the seizures made, at the premises of the Abia/Imo Command of the Customs; during which he revealed that a Renault trailer truckwas was used by the smugglers to conceal the frozen poultry, while a Mercedes Benz truck with number plate XU 465 PHC was also used to conceal 235 cartons of the imported poultry with the 50 bags of locally-made animal feeds.
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 engaged 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. This is happening today, to tell the world that we mean business”, he stated.
According to him, two suspects were arrested in connection with the illegal importation and are now undergoing interrogation before prosecution in court. He stressed that the Customs 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.”
He 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.
He affirmed that the determination of Nigeria Customs Service to reposition itself for greater challenges is unstoppable as officers and men are currently undergoing Capacity Building Training at the Command and Staff College Gwagwalada; while others are being trained abroad.
The Area Controller expressed delight at the desirable and cordial synergy between the Customs 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.
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