The Oyo/Osun Command of the Nigeria Customs Service(NCS) on Tuesday said it intercepted contraband goods with Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N92.77 million in February.
The Area Comptroller, Christopher Odibu, who disclosed this while briefing newsmen in Ibadan, said the seizures were made through the utilisation of the intelligence reports by its officers.
Odibu said that 4,000 bags of 50kg foreign parboiled rice with duty paid value of N48,596,321 and nine trucks and two used cars with duty paid value of N34,782,792 were seized during the period under review.
Other items seized include 150 pieces of used tyres with DPV of N1,298,345.53, 51 bales of second hand clothes with DPV of N7,043,205 and 50 kegs (25litres) of vegetable oil worth N1,057,375.
He said that the total Duty Paid Value of the seized goods was N92, 778, 048.
Odibu said some of the seizure were made along Opara/Bodo Musa axis of Iwajowa Local Government Area of the state while one suspect was arrested.
“Let me sound a note of warning and advice to all unpatriotic Nigerians, who engage in smuggling of rice and other contraband goods, to desist.
“It is worrisome to note that some Nigerians remain unrepentant even as they continue to lose.
“The Federal Government’s efforts in transforming the agricultural sector, especially in the area of rice production, should be encouraged while importation of rice should be discouraged by all,” he said.
Odibu, however, called for collaboration between the command and the media, especially in the area of enlightenment of local communities on the consequences of smuggling activities on the nation’s economy. (NAN)
