Customs destroys poisonous ‘Ponmo’ In Lagos

Abiola Seun |

Seme Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), on Wednesday, burnt the intercepted poisonous animal skin popularly known as “Ponmo” (cow hides) smuggled into Nigeria.

The Customs Area Controller of the command, Comptroller Muhammad Garba, led the team of Joint Border Agencies to the site where the animal skins were destroyed in Seme.

Garba said that the deadly animal skin was intercepted by his men on Lagos-Badagry Expressway. According to him, the command is going to widen its investigation to ensure that no unhealthy item escaped into the country.

Garba added that the Nigeria Customs Service was not limited to revenue generation alone, noting that the command was also fighting against smuggling and other related vices.

The controller also handed over 146 wraps of cannabis worth N112.4 million to officials of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for destruction.

Speaking, Mr Udotong Essien, the NDLEA Commander, Seme Command, lauded the customs officers for their eagled-eyes and professionalism.
Essien attributed the success of the joint border patrol to their synergy and cordial relationship.

He promised that the command would try its best to get to the root and brains behind the illegal goods. The NDLEA commander said that regular briefing would be reported back to the customs service.

Also, Dr Nurudeen Audu, the Coordinator, National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Seme Command, commended the Customs Service for suppressing smuggling and facilitating legitimate trade.

The destruction of poisonous skin and hand over of cannabis were witnessed by officials of Port Health Services. Others were Agricultural Quarantine Service, Department of State Services, Police Border Patrol, NAFDAC and NDLEA.