The Federal Operations Unit, Zone ‘A’ of the Nigeria Customs Service said it has intercepted various contraband goods with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N186 million between July and August.
The unit also said it recovered N63.5 million through its interventions from vehicles and other goods due to under-payment, undervalue and false declaration under the review period.
Controller of the unit, Umar Mohammed said in a statement issued yesterday by the Public Relations Officer, Jerry Attah that about 225 different seizures comprising 4,474 foreign parboiled rice, 7,676 frozen poultry products and fairly used vehicles were recorded.
Others are 11 units of assorted and other general merchandise including vegetable oil, new and used textiles, shoes, bags, used tyres, used fridges, furniture sets among others.
He said 23 suspects were also apprehended in connection with the seizure and after thorough investigation will be charged to court.
The Controller noted that despite the economic downturn the nation is experiencing, smuggling still persists. He however pledged the commitment of his officers to thwart the smugglers’ antics.
Mohammed called on patriotic Nigerians to help Customs in the fight against smuggling by providing necessary intelligence report that will assist in its operations for a better return on investment for legitimate traders.
He said, “We will continue to reflect and review our operational modalities towards sustaining the statutory mandate of anti-smuggling operations so as to keep the flag flying.”
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