The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) said on Monday that it impounded vehicles and other goods with a duty paid value of N322 million between July and Sept. 28 in the Eastern zone.
Displaying the items before journalists in Benin, Mr Victor Dimka,the Customs Area Controller, Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone C, said that 26 suspected smugglers were also arrested within the period.
He said that the bulk of the items were seized on the Benin/Agbor axis while others were seized in Owerri, Calabar and Enugu.
Dimka said that the seized items included 82 imported vehicles and 576 bags of rice.
Others are 18 used tyres, 458 two stroke engine generators and 2,060 gallons of vegetable oil with DPV of N150.92 million.
He said that while 20 persons were arrested in connection with the smuggled vehicles, the six others were apprehended in connection with the other goods.
“Today’s customs is equipped with world class communication gadgets and are well motivated.
“They are not only fully equipped but are well trained that smugglers cannot penetrate anywhere in Nigeria without being caught,” he said.
Dimka said the Customs Service in the zone were also able to achieve the feat because of the synergy it had with other security agencies.
“It does not take anything to pay Customs Duty. We are taking time to warn people again that if you are buying a vehicle, ensure you verify that the vehicle passed the customs.
“If not, go and pay because customs will get you someday,’’ he said.
The controller thanked the Comptroller General of Customs for equipping the men and called on Nigerians to join hands with customs officers to bring smugglers to their knees
Source: NAN
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