Customs confiscates drugs, arms, others worth N770m in Ogun

…says chemicalised frozen poultry products unsafe for consumption

James Ojo, Customs Area Controller of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Ogun I Area Command, says the Command has confiscated 219 sacks of 1,725 parcels of cannabis sativa as well as 940 rounds of live ammunition within second quarters of the year 2024.

Ojo added that the Ogun Area I Command of the Nigeria Customs Service also intercepted and seized 44,466 litres of petrol, 2,227 pieces of foreign-used tyres, 2,947 cartons of frozen poultry products, 7,015 bags of foreign rice, 21 units of vehicles, 3 units of motorcycles, 64 bales and 222 sacks of used clothes and 115 pairs of used shoes with duty paid value of N770.6 million.

Read also: Reps tasks Customs on improved border security

Speaking at a Press Briefing held in Abeokuta, Ogun State Capital, the Customs Controller said that the Command surpassed its revenue target based on its pragmatic and effective approach to revenue generation and international border policing, adding that the Command achieved 77.86% revenue increase when compared to the corresponding period last year.

“To begin with, I am delighted to announce that through our concerted efforts and strategic operations, the Ogun I Area Command has generated an impressive revenue of N92,369,227.00 for the second quarter of 2024. Interestingly, this revenue represents about a 52.46% increase compared to the N53,983,622.00 recorded in the corresponding period of 2023.

“In addition, the Command surpassed the monthly revenue target of N34,122,666.90 in June 2024 by 77.86%. This achievement is a testament to the diligence, commitment, and professionalism of our officers and men who have worked tirelessly to ensure that we meet and exceed our revenue targets. It is also indicative of our unwavering commitment to the economic growth and development of our dear nation.

“In addition to our revenue generation success, our enforcement activities have led to significant interceptions of prohibited goods. In recent operations, we successfully intercepted 219 sacks and 1,725 parcels of cannabis sativa, 940 rounds of live ammunition, 44,466 liters of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), 2,227 pieces of pneumatic foreign-used tires, and 64 bales and 222 sacks of used clothes.

“Other interceptions include 2,947 cartons of frozen poultry products, 7,015 bags of foreign parboiled rice, 21 units of vehicles, 3 units of motorcycles, and 115 pairs of used shoes with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N770,666,237.00. These seizures are not just numbers; they represent our relentless fight against smuggling and our determination to protect the local economy, ensure public health and safety, and uphold the integrity of our borders”, he said.

Read also: Customs generates N1.23trn in Apapa amid decline in trade volume

Ojo, while admonishing Nigerians against the consumption of the imported frozen poultry products, said the chemicalised frozen poultry products are injurious human health and can cause serious health challenges, including chemical contamination, food-borne illnesses, public health risks, nutritional deficiences, allergic reactions, among other threats.

He said, “In addition to the above highlights, it is pertinent to also state the health implications of consuming smuggled frozen poultry products.

“According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the health implications of consuming frozen poultry products preserved with chemicals and smuggled into Nigeria from the Republic of Benin can be severe and multifaceted.”