From George Onyejiuwa, Owerri
The Comptroller, Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit Zone ‘C’ Owerri, Alhaji Amajam Bukar, has said smuggling activities are now being carried out along the creeks between Ufom in Cross River and Akwa Ibom states.
Amajam, who disclosed this yesterday while briefing newsmen on the activities of NCS in Owerri, Imo State capital lamented that smugglers have resorted to using the creeks for their illicit activities to frustrate the efforts of the unit.
The comptroller pointed out the need to address the challenges through the procurement of sophisticated high speedboat, bulletproof jacket vests and other equipment that would enable them match the smugglers to curtail their activities in the creeks
He said the unit has resolved to apply indigenous means to tackle activities of smugglers.
Amajam also disclosed that the smugglers had a network of informants but said no matter the strategies employed by the smugglers, officers of the unit would tackle them headlong.
Commending importers and traders for complying with the relevant laws and regulations, he appealed to the intending importers/exporters to be familiar with applicable laws and regulations to avoid being on the wrong side of the law
On arrested suspects, the comptroller said 20 have been granted bail with two released after meeting their bail conditions while 27 cases are still pending in court.