Seme Customs intercepts 175 bales of smuggled textiles, expired seasonings

Abiola Seun

The Seme Customs Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) said it has seized 175 pieces of textiles materials worth N2.2 million smuggled into the country from Benin Republic.

Speaking to journalists in his office, the Customs Area Controller (CAC) of the command, Compt. Uba Mohammed, said another 71 Cartons of expired food seasonings worth N458,109 and 336 Cartons of alcoholic drinks worth N5 million was intercepted.

The CAC while taking journalists round the seizures said the command generated N2.8billion while 8,304 bags of 50kg foreign rice which is equivalent to over 14 trucks load of Rice worth N89 million.

He said, “The Command generated the sum of N2.62billion from March till date. Similarly, the intensified operation of the enforcement unit has drastically reduced smuggling activities to the barest minimum.”

“175 pieces of 6 Yards of Textiles worth N2.24million, 15 sacks of used clothes N677,486 and 28 cartons of Medicament, N1,083,978 and 410 sacks of School bags worth N13.2million”

“Also, 2,000 cartons of Expired Biscuits, N7,742,700 and another truck loaded with 493 packs of Baby Diapers worth N4.1million.

He gives the seizures made in the month as, “8,304 bags of 50kg foreign rice which is equivalent to over 14 trucks of Rice worth N89million.”

Others are, “31 X 25litres Jerry Cans of vegetable oil worth N269,911; 35 X 50kg Bags of sugar, N444,785; 138 x 25litres of PMS, worth N212,100 and 71 Cartons of Expired Food Seasonings worth N458,109.

Mohammed also disclosed that 336 Cartons of alcoholic drinks worth N4.8million and 1,582 parcels of Cannabis Sativa concealed in an Indomie truck; and 55 parcels of same Cannabis Sativa concealed in a Sienna bus.

“1,582 parcels of Cannabis Sativa found concealed in an Indomie truck; and another notable arrest of 55 parcels of same Cannabis Sativa concealed in a Sienna bus. A total of 1,686 parcels were arrested (with street value worth of over N30 million) for the period under review.”

“As part of our community service, the Customs Comptroller General, directed that a total of 25,000 bags of Foreign Parboiled Rice (equivalent of 42 trailer trucks), 650 bags of Sugar, 150 cartons of Tin tomato, 150 bags of flour and 250 kegs of vegetable oil were transferred to the Nigeria Army Corps of Supply and Transport (NACST) between the month of April and May, for onward delivery to Yobe state government, Damaturu for distribution to IDPs in the state.

“A total of 11 vehicles have also been seized notable among them are Toyota Highlander (2005), Range Rover (2007), Toyota Rav 4 (2006), Toyota Venza (2010) and others with combined duty paid value of N46.1million

“Comptroller Mohammed Uba Garba stated that Six (6) suspects were arrested during the period under review.
He further re-emphasized the command’s determination to detect, arrest and prosecute those who fail to comply with the extant regulations; as their failure will be a cause for regret.”
” He called on patriotic citizens to support the command by reporting any smuggling activity or any relevant information that will assist the Command in discharging its statutory obligations.”