By correspondent.
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Ogun Area 1 Command says it has seized 103 contraband goods worth N380,370,911 in terms of the total Duty Paid Value(DPV) in three- week operations.
The new Area Controller, Mr James Ojo, said this at a Maiden news Conference in Abeokuta.
Ojo said that the items were intercepted at different locations within the command’s area of operation,through intensive strategies and concerted efforts of its intelligence unit, DSS and others.
According to him,the command has also made N14,628,661 revenue through baggage assessment and auction sales of petroleum products.
He listed the items seized by the command to include 90 sacks and 1,309 parcels of cannabis sativa, 1,596 pieces of foreign used pneumatic tyres, 2,922 bags of foreign parboiled rice of 50kg.
Others,he added ,were 32 bales of used clothes, 1,603 cartoons of frozen poultry products and 22,600 litres of Premium Motor Spirit, among others.
The new Area Controller said that the seized items , especially cannabis sativa, pneumatic tyres and foreign rice, have adverse effects on the wellbeing of Nigerians in the country.
Ojo said:“The cannabis sativa has devastating effect on the lives of its consumers, especially the youths.
“In addition, the rise in the abuse is of great concern with Nigerian society and a threat to our national security.”
The new Area Controller said that most of the foreign-used pneumatic tyres were unsuitable for Nigerian roads, adding that a significant number of them had exceeded their recommended lifespan from the manufacturing dates.
He expressed the concetn that the persistent smuggling of rice would continue to hamper our economic growth and development as a nation,if not effectively checked.
He reaffirmed the dedication of the command to duty and commitment to ensuring safety and wellbeing of the people, adding that NCS remained resolute in carrying out its mandate in Ogun State with utmost patriotism.
He also commended the gallant officers of the command and critical stakeholders for helping the service to achieve its goals. www.nannews.ng