The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Seme border command said it seized contraband worth over N2.9billion which included 27 trailers load of foreign parboiled rice smuggled into the country through neighbouring Benin Republic.
While displaying the seized items to journalists yesterday, the customs area controller of the command, Comptroller Mohammed Uba Garba, said the command also seized 21 exotic vehicles worth N135million between September and November 2018.
According to him, 57 packs of Tramadol worth N11 million, 40 pieces of used textiles valued at N774,270 and 115 cartons of imported frozen poultry products worth 728,654 were also seized.
He said, “During this two months, our resolute determination to succeed resulted in an impressive revenue generation of N1.9 billion realised for the period under review. Similarly, the uncompromising stance of the enforcement unit led to the seizure of 850 items with a duty paid value (DPV) of (378 million.”
Narrating the seizures, the customs boss said the bags of rice seized were equivalent to 27 trailers and worth N302.4 million.
He said, “The seizures were 16,729 bags of 50kg foreign rice which is equivalent of 27 trailers of rice. N302,477,040, 115 cartons of imported {frozen poultry products worth N728,654; 57 X 50 litres of jerry Cans of vegetable oil N400,440 and 111 pieces of used tyres worth N859,345.
“Others are 21 vehicles, 134,410,536; 50 litres of Jerry can of petroleum products worth N300,572 378, 50kg bags of sugar N7,394,521 and 40 pieces of used textiles: N774,270. “57 packs of Tramadol N11,090,832; 387 sacks of coconut N2,313,360 and General Goods worth N52,005,135 making a total of N2,839,507,352.66.”
However , Mohammed said seven suspects who were connected to the act were arrested and in various stages of investigations and conviction.
