Customs Intercepts 11 Trucks Of Rice At Seme

ABIOLA Seun, Tayo Oladipupo

The Seme Border command of the Nigeria Customs Service yesterday said it intercepted 11 trucks load of rice smuggled into the country from Benin Republic.

According to the Customs Area Controller of the command, Compt. Mohammed Uba Garba, he said the rice numbering about 6,753 were intercepted with 45 kegs of foreign groundnut oil.

Also, 22 fairly used vehicles smuggled into Benin Republic were also intercepted by the command.

“Twenty two (22) fairly used vehicles and six (6) means of conveyance have also been Seized. “Notable amongst them are Toyota Coaster Van (2014 model), Toyota Land cruiser Prado (2011).

“Others are, Mercedes Benz GLK 350 (2010), Toyota Sienna (2013), Toyota 4Runner (2014) and a host of others. The combined duty paid value (DPV) for the vehicles stands at N177,314,091 and the he Grand Total for both seizures and revenue is N1,055,122,539.68.”

He however said the total Duty Paid Value of the seized rice worth N158million while 45 kegs of vegetable oil worth N573million.

He said, “6,753 bags of 50kg foreign rice which is equivalent to over 11 Trailer trucks (DPV) N121,689,06O plus Levy of N35,790,900 making a tota of N157million”

“45 pieces of 25 litres Jerry Cans of vegetable oil (DPV) N573,750, 135 bags of 50kg Bags of sugar (DPV) worth N567,000: 71 kegs of 25 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) with a DPV of N106,500.”

The CAC also disclosed that the command seized 91 parcels of hard drugs and had been handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

“Other items seized 21 Cartons of Tinned Tomatoes worth N127,575, 2 sacks of Used shoes N67,500 and 91 parcels of hard drugs.”

“As a result, in the month of December 2018, the Command generated the sum of E and twenty three million, twenty eight thousand, four hundred and forty two Nair: kobo only (N 623,028,442.68), representing about 92° 0 of the command’s target

The CAC also started that the command revenue for 2019 would be surpassed with the inauguration of the Joint Border Post.

“Wth the inauguration and subsequent movement of the command to the Joint Border Post OBP) of Seme-Krake (designed to operate as a modern border), the operations of the command will be further enhanced through cooperation, collaboration and regional integration by facilitating the free movement of persons and services, reduction of trade and logistic costs, increasing lnter~regional trade, increase of Government revenue by eliminating trade barriers, reduction of delays, operating cost and availability of baseline data for impact assessment.

“This is to assure the Customs high command that this year’s revenue target allocated will not only be met, but will be surpassed provided that other factors remain constant.”

“The Command will further strengthen its anti-smuggling operations against trans-border crimes through intelligence driven operations and continuous partnerships with other relevant agencies for effective border management to stem the unlawful activities of daredevil criminals.

“We however assure members of both local and business communities that the command will increase dialogue, enlightenment and robust stakeholder engagements for seamless operations through the modern Joint Border Post.”

“Furthermore, Customs personnel will remain stationed at strategic and approved points to assist in facilitation of legitimate trading activities and equally ensure adequate security.”