The Federal Operation Unit (FOU) Zone`C’ of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has seized five bullet-proof cars and other goods with a duty paid value (DPV) of over N591 million.
The unit also said its operatives arrested six suspects connected with smuggling activities in the zone.
The impounded vehicles include 2018 Range Rover with duty paid value of N10.27 million, 2018 model Hilux and other brands of Toyota cars.
Commander of the Unit, Comptroller Kayode Olusemire, while conducting reporters round the seized vehicles and goods at the Benin area office of the unit, said that the command also impounded more than 2,300 bags of rice in addition to 22 brand new cars, imported into the country through illegal routes.
He expressed worries that people would take the efforts to buy exotic cars at millions of naira, and deny the government of the expected revenue by evading the required duties.
Olusemire lamented that smuggling of rice persists despite the efforts of the Federal Government to make the country self-sufficient in rice production.
The customs boss said that the suspects in custody would soon be arraigned in court.