The Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, on Wednesday seized prohibited frozen poultry products worth N5 million in the bush paths of Seme border, the Service said in a statement.
“The seizure ostensibly being brought into the country from the Republic of Benin may have been targeted at the forthcoming Muslim post fasting celebration,” said Olottah Ernest, Customs Public Relation Officer at Seme Area Command.
He said the smugglers in an attempt to beat the various patrol teams of the Command, brought the poultry products through bush paths which are unapproved routes.
“On sighting our operatives from afar in the bush, the smugglers tried to reverse to the Republic of Benin and not being able to do so, fled into the bush, abandoned their wares and the three vehicles being used to convey the banned goods,” Olottah said.
He quoted the Customs Area Controller of the command, Willy Egbudin who supervised the destruction of the seized poultry products, as describing d the seizure as a warning signal to desperate smugglers who take advantage of festivities to smuggle illegal products into Nigeria.
“This seizure is a warning signal to anyone who attempts to dare us during festivities or any other time of the year.Because we are aware of their antics, our men are deployed in the bushes while normal patrol and manned approved check points are sustained,” Egbudin said.
“Our Comptroller General’s(CGC) zero tolerance for smuggling is being pursued with renewed vigour and zeal, therefore any attempt to undermine our presence will be dealt with in line with the Customs and Excise Management Act.
“As we destroy and bury these seized frozen poultry products today, we will keep advising everyone to shun illegalities and invest their resources in legitimate trades.
“Laws being enforced by customs is no respecter of persons and we will continue to give our best in carrying out the directives of the CGC to the fullest.There will be no hiding place for smugglers at the border,” he said.
The controller also used the opportunity to remind youths of border communities to resist any attempt to be lured into smuggling or any act that can place them on the wrong side of the law.
The NCS said investigations have commenced to arrest the owners of the vehicles used for the smuggling activities and the buried poultry products.
credit: PMNews
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