Less than one month after it recorded a massive seizure of over 11,264 bags of 50kg parboiled rice at Igbesa creek in Ogun State, the Federal Operations Unit Zone ‘A’ of the Nigeria Customs Service has again recorded 10,252 bags of smuggled rice and vegetable oil at two private warehouses in Saki, Oyo State. The Duty Paid Value of the smuggled items was put at over N70million.
In a statement sent to SHIPS & PORTS DAILY over the weekend, spokesman of the Unit, Uche Ejesieme, said the rice and vegetable oil were seized in 19 trucks while acting on a tip off.
He said the patrol team led by Assistant Controller, Adamu A.M, comprising other officers swooped on the warehouses last Monday where a large quantity of the smuggled items was stored.
“Even though our operatives were faced with stiff opposition from miscreants and hoodlums who tried to obstruct their functions, we were able to evacuate the consignment to the warehouse,
“It is instructive to note that the area is notorious for hostility and volatility and expectedly the team was confronted with dangerous weapons by the hoodlums who attempted to dislodge our officers. In the process, our operatives were able to successfully secure the ground and began evacuation of the consignment. The evacuation lasted for four days and the team finally arrived FOU with a total of 19 trucks fully laden with bags of 50kg rice,” the statement said.
Meanwhile, the unit said it will continue to work towards ensuring the continuous decimation of smuggling activities.
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