Customs intercept 3,263 bags of rice in Oyo

The Nigeria Customs Service, Oyo/Osun Command, said on Friday it had intercepted 3,263 bags of rice allegedly being illegally conveyed into the country via three articulated trucks.

The Customs Area Controller of the Command, Mr. Richard Oteri, while addressing reporters on the seizure, which was made in the Oke-Ogun area of Oyo State, said three suspects with the trucks, marked LAGOS AAA 897XB, LAGOS XP 879 EKY and OSUN AA 135 LES, were arrested.

He said, “Three suspects were arrested by the Command in connection with the seizure. The suspects (names not given) had been released on bail but would soon be charged to court”

“A total of 3,263 bags of rice were intercepted in three different articulated trucks and the DPV on the commodity is N49,369,416.”

Other seized items, according to the controller, are used cars, trucks and buses loaded with used tyres, vegetable oil, textiles, prints and other prohibited materials.

He said, “The seizures were made in the last three months. This shows the results of our intensified efforts in anti-smuggling activities.

“The recalcitrant ones, who still insist on engaging in the illicit business of smuggling, should be well advised that they would not escape the long arm of the law.”

Oteri said that the Command had recorded an increase in the volume of imported vehicles following its re-orientation and sensitisation campaign on payment of duty.