Seme Customs seizes N11m worth of rice in one weekend

The Seme Border Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) last weekend seized  over I,200 bags of rice valued at N11.7million at the Kotomeji area of Badagry.

Disclosing this to newsmen in Lagos, the Command’s Comptroller, Mr. Willy Egbudin said that the seizure was made possible following intelligence reports.

In the course of the operation, it was said that the smugglers jumped into the waters on sighting the men and officers of the services.

The Command according to Egbudin, has set up his dragnet with a view to arresting the smugglers so as to deter others from the act.

Egbudin explained that  the anti-smuggling functions of the Customs is a strategic move by government aimed at protecting the local economy and preventing the influx of prohibited items, arms and hard drugs.

His words “ By smuggling what Nigeria has the capacity tom produce locally, we are inadvertently sustaining the employment of some unknown foreigners else where while working to also keep some of our able bodied youths out of job.

“Let me reiterate that the Customs is not going on holiday, we are here round the clock and will continue to seize smuggled wares and arrest persons involved in such acts.

“Whoever wish to import rice should do that through the seaports as approved by the Federal Government.

“We will not relent in implementing   government policies because they are made in the national interest and the policy on rice is no exception.

“We are not unaware of the smugglers drive to beat us by applying unusual means, especially as we have efficiently and strategically positioned our men on the bush paths and other likely routes, therefore they chose to ferry this rice through the waters “.

The Command boss in meeting stakeholders and community heads in and around the Seme and Badagry area appealed to them to support the Customs in the war against smugglers.