The Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘C’ of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) in Owerri, Imo state said it impounded 1,343 bags of foreign rice and other contraband worth N492 million.
The Area Controller of the Zone, Compt. Kayode Olusemire made this known while displaying the seized items to newsmen in Owerri, the state’s capital.
He said the contraband with Duty Paid Value of N492 million were seized by his men along Port Harcourt-Owerri axis, while six suspects were arrested in connection with the seized items.
The Area Controller expressed regret that in spite of the Federal Government’s efforts, through the Nigeria customs and other government agencies to combat smuggling, some individuals had remained adamant in shortchanging government’s revenue generation.
Olusemire said that most of the seized items had expired, while others such as Analgin had been banned by the government and so are unfit for human consumption.
“The war against importation of foreign rice is not yet over. Nigerians should be encouraged to eat what is produced in the country. We can do this by stopping to patronise foreign rice.
“With technology, you can plant anything and it will grow. Depending on and patronising foreign-made goods is undermining the economy of the nation,” he added.
Source: VON
