ABUJA: The Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone ‘C’, of Nigeria Customs Service, Owerri, has arrested 23 suspects in connection with smuggling activities and also are persecuting 22 cases pending in different courts within the Zone ‘C’ axis.
The zone has also intercepted a Mercedes truck loaded with 1,300 cartons of imported frozen poultry products, concealed with Polymers Vinyl Chloride (PVC) sheets and ceramic bath tubs with Duty Paid Value (DPV) of twelve million, four hundred thousand naira on Benin-Ore express way few days to Christmas.
The Customs area controller of the unit, Comptroller Dimka Victor David, disclosed this while briefing newsmen on the seizures made during which he revealed that a total of 31 seizures which include 21 vehicles have been recorded between 1st December to date with DPV of N118,190,217.00, with 23 arrests made and 22 cases pending in different courts within the Zone ‘C’ axis.
Dimka who decried the incalculable harm being inflicted on the nation’s economy as a result of unabated smuggling of prohibited products into the country, warned those still engrossed in the act to desist forthwith or have themselves to blame if arrested. “We will continue to make this Zone very very hot and uncomfortable for smugglers to remain in business and we are not mincing words about this”.
According to him, one suspect was arrested in connection with the smuggling of the imported frozen poultry product and is now undergoing interrogation for further prosecution in court. He stressed that the NCS is trying to ensure that it does not give any chance to smugglers until they are brought to their knees, warning “a word is enough for the wise.”
The destruction of the seized imported frozen poultry products was carried out immediately in the premises of Customs House Benin, which was witnessed by the Nigeria Police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corp, Department of State Security.
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