Customs intercepts N380m smuggled goods in Ogun

By Tayo ABIOLA

The anti-smuggling operatives of Ogun Area 1 Command of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Idiroko intercepted banned items valued at N380 million within 23 days.

The seized items comprise 2, 922 foreign parboiled rice, each weighing 50kg alongside 90 sacks containing 1, 309 parcels of cannabis sativa otherwise known as Indian Hemp.

The Command’s Area Controller, Comptroller James Ojo stated this on Thursday in Abeokuta, while briefing journalists about the activities of the Command within the past 23 days when he assumed duty.

Giving the cumulative Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the 103 seizures recorded within the period at N380, 370, 911, Ojo explained that the Beninese authorities have not been cooperating in allowing imported goods from other West African countries to pass through the Idiroko Border, even when it has been opened for legitimate trading.

This seizure came amid the disclosure of hostilities by authorities from the Republic of Benin in allowing legitimate import trading activities into the country through the Idiroko Border.

Disclosing that the Customs has officially reported the matter to the Nigerian Ambassador to the Republic of Benin, Ojo lamented that the incident principally accounted for the low volume of trade witnessed on the Idiroko Border, which he said is forcing some traders to resort to taking the bush path to the delights of the smugglers.

“Presently, trading activities across the border is not encouraging, but efforts are ongoing to address the identified challenges that have been hindering the flow of trade. We are hopeful that this will enhance our revenue profile significantly.

“Let me use this opportunity to encourage our compliant traders to remain steadfast and be assured of our maximum cooperation. Our doors are widely opened for consultations and required supports,” Ojo said.

Giving the breakdown of the 103 seizures recorded under the 23 days, Ojo said a total of 1, 596 pieces of foreign used pneumatic tyres, 32 bales of used clothes popularly referred to as “okirika”; 1, 603 cartons of frozen products, as well as 22, 600 litres of petroleum being smuggled out of the country were intercepted by the Command’s anti-smuggling operatives.

The Idiroko Border Controller further disclosed that a total of N14.6 million was realized through baggage assessments and public auction of intercepted petroleum products.