The Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone A of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) intercepted 30,000 bags of foreign parboiled rice smuggled into the country from Benin Republic.
The unit also intercepted two Lexus bullet proof jeeps, four Toyota Hilux vehicles and Indian Hemp, Tramadol and Codeine syrup along the Ogun State axis.
Speaking to TRACK NEWS at the weekend, the Customs Area Controller of FOU, Zone A, Ikeja, Compt. Muhammed Aliyu said the unit is battle ready to engage smugglers who might have escaped Customs at the borders.
He said, “We have second hand clothings and over 30, 000 bags of rice. We have unprocessed woods so we really talking about Indian hemp has called for more patrol vehicles in other to intercept more banned items coming in to the country.”
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According to him, “the one that escape from the border will be arrested by the internal patrol of the service on the highway. We have different vehicle and the last time you came here we had about 29 vehicles of which 11 are bullet proof and worth over N1.1bn and now, we have additional three bullet proof vehicles and other brands of vehicles”.
Compt. Aliyu who justified the presence of FOU unit on the highway especially on the port road said dangerous items cleared from the ports were being arrested on the road by officers of the command.
However, speaking on need for more patrol vehicles the Customs boss said the four Toyota Hilux vehicles were intercepted with the newly acquired patrol vehicle made available to the unit by the Customs headquarters.
He however solicited for additional patrol vans in other to properly block the South West against smugglers as yuletide season beacons.
He said, “In the last few weeks, we have intercepted two Lexus bullet proof jeep, four Toyota Hilux along Ogun axis and 1,050KG Indian hemp worth N210million and this is with the help of the patrol vehicles made available to us.”
