…Intercepts 865 Kegs Of PMS
The Nigeria Customs Service, Western Marine Command said in it’s fight against smuggling activities along the waterways, it has recorded several seizures within the period of January 2021 till date.
Speaking to news men on Thursday at the marine command, the Ag. Area controller of the command, Deputy Comptroller Enonche Ochiba hinted that the officers and men of the he command are equiped in the fight against smuggling along the waterways which has aided the command in making several seizures in the year 2021.
Ag. Comptroller Enonche Ochiba said that the seizures made by the command within January till date is recorded with dutu paid value of two billion, two hundred and fifteen million, one hundred and eighty thousand , seventy three naira and four kobo as against the total duty paid value of one billion , one hundred and four million, six hundred and forty seven thousand, three hundred and seventy naira in the year 2020.
The amount which he said represents an increase of over 100% is an indication that the operatives if the command are working tirelessly to combat smuggling on the waterways.
The marine boss also disclosed that a total of 865 kegs of Premium Motor Spirit also known as (PMS) were intercepted by the command.
He hinted that the seizure was made on the 8th of December 2021 at the Ashipa rivers within the coastal and harbour patrol (Bar-Beach) while acting on credible information.
He stated that the kegs were secured and evacuated to the base saying that upon examination it was found to be 25litres of the aforementioned figure each given a total of 21,625 litres.
Though no suspects were arrest during the operations by officers and men of the command, he stressed that the total value of the seizure stood at N3, 633,000.00.
He however warned smugglers and would-be smugglers; that personnel of the service will continue to run them out of business saying “We are aware of your plans during the yuletide season, I want you to know that our operatives are vigilant and on patrol duties to tame the scourge of smuggling activities and other vices on the South Western waterways and will leave no stone unturned until you are apprehended and prosecuted.
The Ag. Controller also commended other security agencies for their support in the fight against smuggling along the waterways pointing out that intelligence gathered led to the seizure of petroleum products.
“I want to use this medium to appreciate the efforts of other sister agencies and patriotic Nigerians for their contributions in providing relevant information in our fight against smuggling.
“Let me on behalf of the Officers/Men of Western Marine Command appreciate the CGC and his management team for their motivation and support given to the Command in the discharge of our statutory responsibilities.
“We will continue to discharge the duty vested on us and will not rest on our oars in the fight against smuggling and drug trafficking” DC Ochiba said.
