Customs intercepts cannabis, petrol, rice others worth N770m in Ogun

The Ogun I Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, said it intercepted and seized different contraband goods valued at N770,666,237 naira from April to June.

This was disclosed by the command’s Area Comptroller, James Ojo, at a press briefing on the command’s accomplishments held in Abeokuta on Monday.

Giving a breakdown, the comptroller said the contrabands include 219 sacks and 1,725 parcels of cannabis sativa, 940 rounds of live ammunition, 44,466 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), 2,227 pieces of pneumatic foreign-used tyres, and 64 bales and 222 sacks of used clothes.

Others are 2,947 cartons of frozen poultry products, 7,015 bags of foreign

parboiled rice, 21 units of vehicles, 3 units of motorcycles, and 115 pairs of used

shoes.

The seizures, according to him, represent the command’s unrelenting battle against smuggling and its resolve to safeguard the integrity of the borders, the local economy, and public health and safety.

He added that the command following its strategic operations generated a revenue of N92,369,227.00 for the second quarter of the year.

This represents about a 52.46% increase compared to the N53,983,622.00 recorded in the corresponding period of 2023.

“ I am delighted to announce that through our concerted efforts and strategic operations, the Ogun I Area Command has generated an impressive revenue of N92,369,227.00 for the second quarter of 2024. Interestingly, this revenue represents about a 52.46% increase compared to the N53,983,622.00 recorded in the corresponding period of 2023.

“ In addition, the Command surpassed the monthly revenue target of N34,122,666.90 in June 2024 by 77.86%.

“Our enforcement activities have led to significant interceptions of prohibited goods, we successfully intercepted 219 sacks and 1,725 parcels of cannabis sativa, 940 rounds of live ammunition, 44,466 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), 2,227 pieces of pneumatic foreign-used tyres, and 64 bales and 222 sacks of used clothes.

“ Other interceptions include 2,947 cartons of frozen poultry products, 7,015 bags of foreign parboiled rice, 21 units of vehicles, 3 units of motorcycles, and 115 pairs of used shoes with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N770,666,237.00.

Ojo, however, lamented that the interceptions also underscore the importance of continuous vigilance, collaboration, and the need for a united front in the fight against smuggling and other economic crimes.