Customs Uncovers Smuggled Foreign Rice Concealed in Petroleum Jerry Cans

Customs Uncovers Smuggled Foreign Rice Concealed in Petroleum Jerry Cans

The Nigeria Customs Service, Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘A,’ announced on 8 March 2024, that it uncovered an ingenious concealment of foreign parboiled rice in petroleum jerry cans along Ajilete in Ogun state.

Customs Comptroller FOU Hussein Ejibunu disclosed this during a press briefing in Ikeja, Lagos State. He noted that such illegal acts not only defy regulations but also jeopardize consumers by exposing them to the risk of consuming contaminated grains.

Addressing newsmen on the unit’s activities, Comptroller Ejibunu revealed that despite the unrepentant behaviors of economic saboteurs, the unit has vigorously prosecuted its anti-smuggling campaign. This resulted in 93 seizures worth N751,127,025 and the arrest of 9 suspects to prevent smuggling.

“These outcomes were achieved despite the unrepentant behaviors of economic saboteurs who deploy many tricks and antics to beat our checks but failed. A reference case is the smuggling of foreign parboiled rice in petroleum jerry cans along Ajilete in Ogun state, which is not only illegal but also exposes potential consumers to the risk of eating contaminated grains that may have ingested poisonous properties, possibly from premium motor spirit (PMS), diesel, or other petroleum products,” he stated.

Among the seized items were 11 exotic used vehicles valued at over N200 million and 3,779 X 50kg bags of suspected foreign rice, equivalent to over seven trailer loads worth over N365m, seized from various parts of the South West.

“Other items seized in the month under review include one locally made gun and six pieces of empty cartridges at Abeokuta road, 731 parcels of Indian hemp weighing 482kg, 1 X 40ft container found to contain 286 cartons of new rubber slippers, seven units of used motorcycles, 28,000 litres of premium motor spirit (PMS), and 2,420 pieces of used tyres,” he stated.

In a proactive move, the Unit intercepted three trucks headed to the Republic of Benin, laden with 880 bags of white beans, 584 bags of onions, and 18 bags of dry pepper at Ajilete/Idiroko road in Ogun state.

Comptroller Ejibunu said, “Instead of seizing the food items, this Unit ensured the trucks were re-directed to the Nigerian markets where they were sold to Nigerians by the owners,” he added.

Stating further, the Unit’s head disclosed that revenue amounting to over N78,164,255.20 was recovered through demand notices issued for underpaid customs duties in February.

He pointed out that some unscrupulous individuals, driven by a lack of allegiance to their country, opt to pay duties to neighboring countries instead of fulfilling their obligations to the Nigerian government.

Ejibunu, therefore, affirmed the Command’s commitment to strengthening intelligence-led anti-smuggling operations to thwart any attempts by smugglers and duty evaders to circumvent the law.