Customs Seize N229m Contrabands In Ogun

Contrabands, which included 2 169 bags of foreign parboiled rice, each weighing 50kg alongside 1, 128 parcels of cannabis sativa, commonly known as Indian Hemp, were among the illegal goods intercepted by the anti-smuggling operatives of Ogun Area 1 Command of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Idiroko under a period of 7-days.

The seizures, which Dumpy Payable Value (DPV) put at a total amount of N229,112,424, were intercepted through intelligence gathering, “strategic surveillance, and collaboration with patriotic Nigerians” between the 11th of December, 2024, when the new Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Mohammed Salisu Shuaibu, assumed office at the command, and the present.

Addressing newsmen on Thursday at the command’s headquarters in Idiroko, the new CAC, Shuaibu, disclosed that the contrabands were intercepted at various locations, including Ilaro township, headquarters of Yewa South Local Government Area; Roundabout Axis and Obada Oko of Abeokuta metropolis; and the Imeko-Afon area, all of which were notorious for smuggling activities in the state.

Other items in the seizures included 21 bales and two sacks of used clothing; 166 pieces of pneumatic tyres; 4 360 cartons of imported shoes, as well as 250 kegs of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), popularly referred to as petroleum, each weighing 25 litres each.

In addition, the new CAC also disclosed that one unit of foreign used year 2012 model Toyota Highlander was also seized alongside 20 vehicles used to convey the intercepted contraband.

“Our operatives remain resolute in dismantling the smuggling networks that undermine our economy, endanger lives, and hinder local industries.

“The command remains vigilant and would continue collaborating with sister security agencies to rid our society of this menace”.

While warning smugglers and their collaborators to desist from illegal and unpatriotic business activities or face the full weight of the law, Shuaibu added that the command under him was prepared to match their activities with “superior intelligence, unwavering commitment and lawful force where necessary.”

He reiterated the command’s commitment to maintaining an open-door policy and working with local communities to encourage legitimate trade that fosters economic development.