Two suspects have also been arrested in connection with the seizure.
Customs Area Controller of the Unit, Comptroller Isa Nuhu, who disclosed this in a press statement sent to SHIPS & PORTS DAILY, said that the truck with registration number DELTA XB 434 DSZ was intercepted last weekend based on intelligence report.
He said that the contraband which was concealed with cartons of Viju and Bobo drink with the intent of misleading security operatives was impounded as a result of the renewed vigour and determination of the unit to ensure zero tolerance for the importation of all prohibited items particularly frozen poultry products
The Controller who commended officers for their commitment, resilience and professionalism, assured that the unit will not rest on its oars until smuggling activities are ended in the country. He warned all smugglers to stay away from the Zone or face his wrath, noting that for as long as they continue to engage in this illicit transaction, Customs will continue to wreck havoc on them.
The suspects, he said, will soon be arraigned in court.
…Western Marine Command too The Western Marine Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has again intercepted over 1,000 cartons of smuggled poultry products worth over N6.6million.
This is coming barely two weeks after the command foiled attempt by smugglers to smuggle 1,280 bags of rice and cartons of frozen poultry products with a Duty Paid Value of N8.6million into the country.
Addressing journalists at the dumpsite where the contraband items were buried last weekend, Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Zakka Audu, said that the poultry products were smuggled into the country from Benin Republic and intercepted at Kese when the smugglers wanted to cross the Novo Creek to Ilasa in Ogun State.
He said that the seizures recorded by the command in the last two weeks were made possible through the synergy between the command and the task force created by the Customs Comptroller General.
“We monitored this consignment right from the border and up to the time of interception at Kese. This seizure was made possible through the synergy between the command, the CIU of the command and the CG task force,” he said.
He added: “Perhaps because of the ember months, the activities of smugglers is higher this time that people are anticipating Christmas and New Year but I want to assure smugglers that we are equal to the task because my officers are highly motivated.”
While appealing to the media to assist NCS in enlightening members of the public on the dangers of smuggling, Audu noted that apart from the hazards consumption of the poultry products poses to human health, smuggling activities also stifles the economy thereby causing unemployment and impediment to local production.
He said the command will not rest on its oars in ensuring that smugglers are forced out of business.
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