Customs intercept N769m contraband in Kaduna

• Additionally, 379 assorted general goods were intercepted in Daura, Katsina State, along with 400 cartons of unregistered organic fertilizer. One significant seizure was 372 bags of illegal rice concealed in local flour sacks
  

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The Nigeria Customs Service, Federal Operations Unit Zone B, Kaduna, intercepted contraband valued at N769m in five weeks. According to the command’s Public Relations Officer, Suleiman Isah, this included foreign parboiled rice, spaghetti, organic fertilizer, and used cars.

The Customs Area Controller, Dalha Chedi, disclosed that 98 seizures of 211 different items were made during this period. Additionally, 379 assorted general goods were intercepted in Daura, Katsina State, along with 400 cartons of unregistered organic fertilizer. One significant seizure was 372 bags of illegal rice concealed in local flour sacks.

“Some of the seized contraband includes 698 bags of foreign parboiled rice, 50kg each; 367 cartons of foreign spaghetti, 136 bales of foreign secondhand clothing, 715 jerrycans of premium motor spirit; 25 litres each, 65 jerrycans of foreign refined vegetable oil; 25 litres each, 12 units of used vehicles; nine cartons of Chakapain Xtra 50mg, 425 cartons of foreign milky creamer and milk powder, and 136 pieces of foreign used tyres, among others,” Chedi said.

The CAC added that 14 bags of foreign tiger nuts, 151 cartons of unregistered alcoholic beverages, 1,314 sachets, 68 cartons of foreign butter, 40 cartons of expired foreign general goods, 120 cartons of foreign Eva Soap were also seized within the period under review.

He warned citizens to examine the Vehicle Identification Number before purchasing any vehicles, adding that smugglers now alter the chassis number of vehicles in a bid to avoid arrest or manipulate duty payment.

“I want concerned citizens to always examine the Vehicle Identification Number on the windscreen and that on the chassis (skeleton) of the vehicle they intend to buy because it is an offence under Section 236 (b) of the NCS Act 23 and the offender is liable to a fine of N2m or imprisonment for a term of two years, or both,” he warned.