Customs calls for inter- agency collaboration against smuggling 

Controller of the command, Comptroller Boyiliya Binga disclosed this while receiving smuggled rice and frozen poultry products intercepted by  operatives of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS), Beecroft in Lagos over  the weekend.

Receiving the seized items from the  Naval officer, NNS Beecroft Lieutenant Commander ,A.A Adukanya, the Comptroller Binga stressed that need for intelligence gathering by sister agencies in curbing smuggling activities within the waterways.

The Customs boss reiterated that the service was determined to work with relevant agencies for national security and economy development.

On the seized items, the customs  boss stressed that the total Duty Paid Value stood at N676,625.000 for the rice and frozen poultry product respectively, adding that ten bags of rice and 45 cartons of poultry products were intercepted from the smugglers.

A statement from the Navy stated  that:” On the 9th October 2019,NNS Beecroft patrol team raided Moba Community where several bags of rice were discovered at the sea front.

“The items were about to be loaded in a vehicle when the suspected smugglers abandoned the scene on sighting the patrol team.

” However, the patrol team was able to recover only 10 bags of rice which were brought to the base.

“Furthermore, on the 11th October 19, based on a tip off , the base patrol team raided Akaraba community along Badagry Creek where 45 bags of frozen chicken were discovered.

” The items were subsequently moved to the base for safe custody. Consequently , upon the foregoing, I am directed to handover the ten bags of rice and 45 bags of frozen chicken to you for further necessary action. “It added.

Meanwhile, the frozen chicken were destroyed at the Command’s headquarters , Ibafon ,Apapa  in the presence of sister agencies which include; DSS, NAFDAC and ,Police.