Seizures worth several millions of naira were made by the Nigeria Customs Service, Oyo/Osun Command on Wednesday in Ibadan
The outfit paraded 15 contraband-laden vehicles arrested within the Command Area with the overall Duty Paid Value on the items put at N28,990,848.78.
The Area Controller for the Area Command, Emmanuel Udo-Aka, told newsmen that the seizures were effected on June 17, 2017 along Saki axis.
This was done in synergy with the Headquarters Compliance Team and Customs Intelligence Unit of the Oyo axis, based on tip off from the information network led by DSC Alajogun Joseph.
In addition, another MAN Diesel Truck with registration number LSD 445 XU, concealing 172 pieces of used tyres and 272 pieces of vehicle wheels, was intercepted along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway on June 9, 2017, Udo-Aka told newsmen, noting that the duty paid value of the vehicle wheels is N1,587,936.00.
According to the CAC, the smugglers had used the vehicles to conceal the prohibited items, which included second hand clothing, foreign rice and other contraband goods.
The Customs Area Command in keeping faith with its resolve to rid the axis of recalcitrant and unpatriotic Nigerians who engage in nefarious smuggling activities, had initiated new anti-smuggling strategies, which led to remarkable exploits as evidenced in the latest arrests.
“However, no suspect was arrested based on their smartness as they took to their heels and eloped into bush as soon as they sighted the eagle-eyed Customs officers,” he stated..
Udo-Aka listed the arrested vehicles as including: One Peugeot 406 2008 model with DPV of N1,158,780.00; One Mitsubishi Lancer model with a DPV of N1,158,780.00; One Golf 1999 model with DPV of N1,158,780.00; three Toyota Corolla 2005 model with a DPV of N3,476,340.00; one Toyota Corolla 2005 Model with DPV of N2,027,856.00; one Toyota Corolla 2009 model with DPV of N3,331,493.00; one Honda Civic 2000 model with DPV of N1,158,780.00; one Peugeot 2008 model with DPV of N1,158,780.00; one Volkswagen Sharon 1999 model with DPV of N1,158,780.00; one Toyota Camry 2001 model with DPV of N1,158,780.00; one Toyota Venza 2009 model with DPV of N2,452,408.00; one Lexus RX 350 Jeep 2007 model with DPV of N2,076,291.00; one Nissan Pathfinder 2002 model with DPV of N1,861,291.00.
While appealing for continued support for the Nigeria Customs Service from members of the public, Udo-Aka noted with concern that it is worrisome that some unpatriotic Nigerians still remained unrepentant despite the stern warning against smuggling and even as they continue to lose.
He also stated that it is disheartening to discover that some members of the public especially the elders do come to plead for the release of impounded contraband goods.
He then declared: “While we will not tolerate smuggling either from the public or from the officers who might want to connived with the smugglers, I want to make it crystal clear to the entire public that the period of 30 days of grace that was given for the public to pay duties for vehicles that were smuggled has expired. The grace period ended on the 19th of May 2017. We also want to inform the public that anybody whose goods have been arrested by the Customs should come forth with the genuine documents and claim ownership within thirty days after which goods are liable for seizure.”
Packaged by Dare Alesinloye with additional reports from theeagleonline.com.ng
