By Tony Nzekwe
In line with its commitment and selfless efforts the Nigeria Customs Service,Tin Can Island Command, has impounded 54 by 40ft containers of contraband comprising of 33 containers of rice,19 other prohibited items and uncontrolled drugs.
The seizure were displayed yesterday in a media chat with newsmen by the Comptroller General of Customs, Hameed Ali, at Tin Can Island.
The containers of rice were all expired rice with manufactured date of May 2016 and expired May 2018.The rice were packaged and imported to the country for masters energy commodities limited, situated in Ikeja, Lagos state.
Other prohibited items confiscated by the command include 11 containers of unregistered pharmaceutical products, two containers of used tyres ,one container of rice concealed with spare parts, another one container of refined vegetable oil in retail parts.
The duty paid value for the seizure is estimated at #2,713,865.592(#2.7 Billion) Naira.
Reacting, the CGC asserted, ” The goods were seized in line with the provision of customs and excise management ACT Cap C45 LFN 2004,section 46 and 161.
Adding, ” The closure of the border has forced some of the smugglers and importers to use Nigerian Ports.”
