From: Laide Raheem, Abeokuta
The Ogun State Area Command of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) said it intercepted and seized smuggled items with duty paid value of N62,693,000.00 during Christmas season.
Briefing journalists, on Wednesday, at the Quarry Road, Abeokuta Command of NCS, the State Controller, Sani Maidugu, said the seized items included 14 fairly used exotic vehicles, popularly known as Tokunbo, 9 vehicles used to conceal and convey prohibited items contrabands, 391 bags (50kg) of rice, shoes, bags and electronics.
Maidugu added that the seizure was made within the Abeokuta axis of the state command.
According to him, new methods had been devised by smugglers to conceal and convey banned items, noting the intelligence network of the command had countered moves by the smugglers.
He mentioned that a bus, disguised as a transport vehicle with fresh vegetable and a truck conveying empty drums used to conceal several bags of rice, were intercepted in the Ogun state axis of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
Maidugu, however, disclosed that the driver of the truck was arrested by customs operatives and will be charged to court after investigations.
“Officers and men of Ogun Customs Command have fulfilled the promise of making more seizures during yuletide period. This can be attested with quantum of seizures of various description of prohibited items displayed before you.
“Dubious methods of concealment of rice were also unveiled by gallant officers and men of Ogun command. And we will not relent to ensure duties meant for the federal government’s coffers are paid. Maidugu stated.