…Warns Economic Saboteurs Against Smuggling Activities as Ogun1 Command Intercepts 90 Sacks of Cannabis in 23 Days
ZAINAB JUNAID
Amidst challenges encountered by relevant Stakeholders (traders) in Cross Border Trade, Customs Area Controller, Ogun 1 Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, Comptroller James Ojo has encouraged compliant traders to remain Steadfast in their legitimate business, pledged continued open door policy and assured them of maximum support.
Comptroller Ojo gave the pledge on Thursday, May 9, 2024, while reading out anti smuggling exploits and other achievements made by the Command within 23 days he took over the Leadership of the Command from his predecessor.
According to him, “The trading activities across the border is not encouraging but effort is ongoing to address the identified challenges that hinder the flow of trade.
“I am using this medium to encourage our compliant traders to remain steadfast and be assured of our maximum cooperation. Our doors are widely open for consultation and required support”.
He equally sent note of warning to economic Saboteurs to desist from smuggling activities and embrace legitimate trade as any culprit will be made to face the wrath of the law.
According to a Press Statement by the Command’s Spokesman, CSC Hameed Oloyede, the Controller highlighted seizures made by the Command to include 103 items comprising 90 sacks and 1,309 parcels of cannabis sativa; 1,596 pieces of foreign used pneumatic tyres; 2,922 bags of foreign parboiled rice of 50kg each; 32 bales of used clothes, 1,603 Cartons of frozen poultry products, and 22,600 litres of Premium Motor Spirit, among others.
“The cumulative Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the seized items amount to N380,370,911. It is of essence to state that the aforementioned items were intercepted at different locations within Ogun State, with the aid of intensive intelligence strategies and concerted efforts of our intelligence network such as the Customs Intelligence Unit, DSS and others,” he said.
Giving insight on why the seized items remain illegal to the economy, Comptroller Ojo explained that Cannabis Sativa, fondly called marijuana or Indian hemp is a psychoactive drug derived from cannabis plant and has devastating effect on the lives of its consumers, especially the youths. “The rise in its abuse is of great concern within the Nigerian society and a threat to our national security, due to its potential influence on criminal activities, such as armed robbery, banditry, cultism, kidnapping terrorism and other criminalistics. “Foreign-used Pneumatic Tyres, also known as Tokunbo tyres, are ring-shaped protective coverings made of rubber and filled with compressed air, typically used in foreign countries, and shipped into the country after use over Seas. “These tyres are deemed unsuitable for our highways because, significant number of them have exceeded their recommended lifespan from their manufacturing dates and safety experts, warned that good-quality pneumatic tyres are safe for use for only four years from the date of manufacturing. Any usage beyond this duration poses a significant risk to motorists and put their lives in jeopardy,” he stated.
