The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) in Imo said it impounded 685 cartons of contraband frozen poultry worth over N30 million in November 2014.
Mr Victor Dimka, the Customs Area Controller of the Federal Operations Unit, Zone C, disclosed this in Owerri on Wednesday while briefing newsmen on its activities.
He said that the contraband were concealed in 4,400 cartons of La Casera apple drinks and 50 bags of locally made animal feed.
Dimka said the goods were impounded by the service on Asaba/Onitsha and Calabar axis while two men were arrested in connection with the alleged crime.
“A trailer truck was used by the smugglers to conceal 450 cartons of the frozen poultry with the 4,400 cartons of La asera Apple drinks, while a Mercedes Benz truck with Reg. No. XU 465 PHC was used to conceal the 235 cartons of the poultry with 50 bags of locally made animal feeds.’’
The controller decried the incalculable harm being inflicted on the nation’s economy due to the smuggling of prohibited products into the country.
He warned those still engrossed in the act of smuggling to desist or face the wrath of the law, when arrested.
“We will continue to make this zone very hot and uncomfortable for smugglers to remain in business and we are not mincing words about this.
“This is happening today to tell the world that we mean business,’’ he said.
According to him, the two suspects arrested in connection with the illegal importation are now undergoing intensive interrogation for further prosecution in court.
Dimka said that all suspects arrested in connection with smuggling activities in the zone would be prosecuted and jailed, if found guilty.
“The determination of the Nigeria Customs Service to reposition itself for greater challenges is unstoppable.
“Our officers and men are currently undergoing capacity building/training at the Command and Staff College, Gwagwalada, while others are being trained abroad,” he said.
The area controller expressed delight at the cordial synergy between the NCS and other sister agencies, including the Nigeria Police, State Security Service (SSS), Nigerian Army, National Drug Law and Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) in the fight against smuggling.
He said the synergy would continue to grow from strength to strength.
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