ABUJA: The Nigeria Customs Service, Federal Operations Unit Zone ‘C’, Owerri, says it has intercepted a Mercedez truck loaded with 1,300 cartons of imported frozen poultry products.
The seized products were concealed with polymers vinyl chloride sheets and ceramic bath tubs with Duty Paid Value of N12,400,000.00 on Benin-Ore expressway two days before the Christmas day.
Customs Area Controller of the unit, Mr. David Dimka, disclosed this while briefing newsmen on the seizures made by operatives of the outfit.
He revealed that a total of 31 seizures, which included 21 vehicles, were recorded from December 1 to date with DPV of N118,190,217.00, adding that 23 arrests were made while 22 cases were pending in different courts within the Zone ‘C’ axis.
Dimka, who decried the harm being inflicted on the nation’s economy as a result of the continued smuggling of prohibited products into the country, warned those involved in the act to desist from it or have themselves to blame if arrested.
“We will continue to make this zone very hot and uncomfortable for smugglers to remain in business and we are not mincing words about this,” he said.
According to him, one suspect was arrested in connection with the smuggling of the imported frozen poultry product and is now undergoing interrogation before being prosecuted.
Dimka stressed that the NCS was trying to ensure that it did not give any chance to smugglers until they were brought to their knees.
