OGUN: The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operation Unit, Zone A, Ikeja, yesterday, seized over 6,000 bags of rice and 2,000 kegs of 25kg vegetable oil at Lusada in Ado-Odo Ota area of Ogun State.
The commodities with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N50million were seized based on intelligence reports.
The suspected smugglers were said to have kept the commodities in their various warehouses and shops for sale at the Lusada Market today. But Customs swooped at 2a.m.
NCS Public Relation Officer (PRO) Uche Ejesieme said efforts were being made to arrest and bring persons behind the unlawful act to book.
Ejesieme said: “Apparently aware of the implication of being caught with their smuggled wares, the suspected smugglers did not show up when our officers swooped on Lusada market and its environs.
“Upon the visit of the comptroller-general to Lagos, our controller, Amade Abdul, reminded all officers of the comptroller- general’s zero tolerance for smuggling and other illegalities.
“Although, we don’t know the quantity yet, let alone the value but I make bold to say that this is one of the best operations handled by the unit in recent times and we are ready to do more.
“We are not unaware of the smugglers’ drive to beat us by applying unusual means, especially as we have efficiently and strategically positioned our men on the bush paths and other likely routes, therefore they have bitter experience to tell their friends and other smugglers.
“This seizure is a direct message to all involved in smuggling that they stand a great chance of going to jail as we are keen on matching seizures with suspects.
“Whoever wishes to import rice should do that through the seaports and approved land borders as approved by the Federal Government and pay correct duty.
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