Owerri Customs FOU smokes out 4,375 rounds of ammunition, Tramadol, others
The results of reenergized strike force of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘C’ Owerri has intercepted a truck with two pump action rifle and 4375 rounds of ammunition, military camouflage concealed in truck within along 9th mile Enugu axis.
The operatives of the unit also intercepted a truck with cartons of tramadol tablet and codeine syrup, used tyres and packets of cigarette concealed in another truck along Headbridge axis of Anambra State.
Addressing media executives at the Command’s head office in Owerri, Comptroller Olusemire Kayode, the Customs Area Controller of FOU Zone ‘C’ Owerri said the seizures were made following tip off from sources.
While disclosing within the period under review, over 150 bags of 50kg rice were found concealed behind sacks of palm kernel in a truck intercepted on Aba/Eleme axis, he affirmed the dedication of his officers and men to ensure that smuggling is brought to a minimum in the zone and urged the public to support the fight against the menace.
Explaining more on the seizures of the drugs, Comptroller kayoed averred that most vices in the society are fuelled by the abuse of drugs adding that the rate of criminality will reduce if the abuse of drugs is checked.
Accordingly, he made it clear that the importation of military uniform is controlled and therefore stands to be impounded whenever it is found to be imported by wrong hands.
On the need for the media to join the Command in the sensitization against illegal imports, the Comptroller said “We do not do our work to showcase ourselves but to sensitize people about the socioeconomic ills of smuggling. Smuggling has a lot of adverse effect on the economy and we need you to sensitize the public. We need to reduce the rate of criminality in our nation and my warning to would be smugglers in Zone ‘C’ to desist and turn a new leaf.”
On recent seizures in Benin, Comptroller Kayode urged those importing cars to pay the appropriate duty on the vehicles to avoid running afoul of the law. He explained that cars are not prohibited but people do not pay duty and do not import through the right channels.
He made it clear that “Cars are not banned but people do not often pay duty. The extant regulation said importation of cars and rice should be through the sea ports but people still prefer to come in through the bush. That is not ignorance but a deliberate intent to evade payment of duty and I urge all would be importers to pay the appropriate duties and import through the right channels”.
“As Christmas approaches, we are sounding a note of warning that we are ready and prepared in Zone ‘C’. This zone will not be a safe haven for smugglers. We will fish you out no matter your tricks or modes of conveyance,” he warned.
A breakdown of the seizures include 12 cars, 131 sacks of Cannabis Sativa and 808 bags of 50kg rice amongst others with total duty paid value of N240,000,000.
Comptroller Kayode, who noted that the use of Cannabis Sativa fuels vices in the society as miscreants derive energy to commit atrocities from it urged smugglers to have a rethink and support the agriculture industry and invest in local rice farming.
The comptroller urged the public to visit any customs formation in case they need any information or trade facilitation clarifications.
