Customs FOU Zone ‘C’ Records N252Million Seizures In July

The Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘C’ of Nigeria Customs Service has recorded an unprecedented 37 seizures in July, all within the South-East and South-South states of the federation.

The Customs Area Controller (CAC) of the Unit; Mr Victor Dimka, who disclosed this while briefing newsmen in Owerri last week, also added that the seizures have a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N252,126,800.00..

According to him, 36) out of the 37 seizures are vehicles, which brands he gave as including: Toyota Highlander, Infinity jeep, Lexus jeep and cars, BMW, Toyota Avalon, Toyota Corolla and Toyota 4 Runner and others.

Dimka noted that this is an indication of an increase in the number of vehicles being smuggled in the zone within the period under review.

He recalled that there was a similar increase in smuggling of rice about five months ago, but this was effectively tackled and the smuggling reduced to the barest minimum. He also said that same applied to imported frozen poultry products earlier in the year.

Additionally, Dimka said that the influx of imported furniture, second hand clothing, foreign detergents and foot wears have equally been tackled and also the smuggling reduced to the barest minimum.

He noted that smugglers are now into smuggling of vehicles, but assured that his men have all it takes to neutralize their antics and also ensure that those apprehended do not go scot free.

He further assured that the unit will neither fold its arms nor sit on its oars and watch the smugglers sabotage the nation’s economy hence he resolved that even the car dealers will subsequently be compelled to present the clearing documents of the vehicle in their shops.

Dimka expressed immense gratitude to the Comptroller-General of Customs Alhaji Abdullahi Dikko Inde, for his sustained support to the unit, stressing that this has continued to spur officers and men of the unit to greater height in the performance of their statutory duties of fighting smuggling.