Customs Boss Laments Continued Smuggling of Petrol

The Comptroller General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi has decried the continued smuggling of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) despite policy actions to discourage the menace, especially in the face of fuel price rationalization.

The CGC who was briefing journalists at the Federal Operations Unit Zone ‘A’ Wednesday also said rice is among the prohibited items still being smuggled by recalcitrant traders but vowed that it’s operatives will continue to thwart such efforts and to lay waste such illegitimate investments through seizures.

Adeniyi also disclosed that operatives of the FOU Zone A intercepted a consignment of codeine syrup consisting of 299 cartons along Lagos/Ibadan Expressway. Hé warned that trafficking in illicit substances is having a negative health impact of the vulnerable youth bracket, and therefore poses a serious challenge to the future of Nigerian youths who are addicted to its consumption.

“NCS is yet again drawing national attention to the danger posed by

unrestricted access to the use dangerous drugs. Codeine syrup is designated as a controlled item due to its rampant abuse by our delinquent youth.

“The misuse and illicit distribution of codeine-containing medications have given rise to grave security and public health concerns, contributing to a surge in addiction, adverse health effects, and societal challenges.”

He explained that despite regulatory measures put in place to curb its availability and unrestricted access, unscrupulous elements are still hell bent at circumventing it’s control but vowed that no efforts will be spared by the service in frustrating the enemies engaged in their imports and distribution.

“As part of our unwavering commitment to safeguarding our society and

protecting the well-being of our citizens, the NCS has once again demonstrated

its dedication to eradicating the menace of drug trafficking.

“Last week officers of the Federal Operating Unit Zone A, acting on credible intelligence, flagged down a DAF truck close to Ijebu-Ode Junction. An examination of the truck revealed

the concealment of 299 cartons of codeine syrup along Lagos/Ibadan Expressway.

“We once again advise that any investment made into the smuggling

business is meant to be a loss because we will keep battling these enemies of our

country”, he said.

While giving the breakdown of other seizures made by the unit, the customs boss said the service will not abdicate it’s responsibility but will challenge every act of national economic sabotage, frontally.

“Smugglers of rice and premium motor spirit continue to test our will to put

them out of business. Smuggling of rice compromise our revenue and sabotage

our food security. Despite the biting effects of fuel subsidy removal on our

economy, smugglers still attempt to smuggle PMS across the border.

“They met their waterloo in different operations conducted by officers of NCS. The following seizures of both items were recorded.

“A total of 4, 252 bags of foreign

parboiled rice (50 kg each) at Dangote/

Imashayi Ogun State, Saki Axis Oyo State, Owode/Ado Odo in Ogun state, Idiroko/Ohumbe Ogun State, Okoko Mile 2 Axis in Lagos State and Ado-Ekiti in Ekiti State.

“Similarly, 5,600 litres of premium

motor spirit were intercepted and seized when smugglers attempted to takeout

these strategic resource through Oja-odan axis in Ogun State.”

He said other items seized in the last 2 weeks includes 291 Bales of Second-hand Clothing; 57 Sacks and 4 Jumbo Sacks of Used Shoes; 486 cartons of foreign frozen poultry products; 190 Pieces of Rugs; 5 Units of Vehicles; and 170 pieces of used tyres.

“These seizures are a fallout of our uncompromising position to strictly

enforce the law and protect the lives of our people.

“The codeine syrup, which is reportedly being abused by mostly young persons in society, is associated with addiction and, in the long-term, results in anxiety, depression, memory loss, and damage to the liver, kidneys and brain.

“It is pertinent to note that the damaging

effects of drugs have led to preventable deaths for consumers taking them outside doctors’ prescriptions.”

He continued: “The 340 pieces of used tyres seized within the first two weeks of August 2023 by this unit is not only limited to the implementation of import prohibition Iists but also a giant stride to mitigate auto crashes caused by smuggled used tyres.

“These tyres are squeezed, compressed and tucked into themselves for ease

of concealment, thereby causing them to crack. They are oftentimes expired, their

rigidity and strength compromised. “Drivers could experience a blowout or sudden rupture as the steel wire meant to keep the tyres in shape has been disorganised in the course of smuggling.”

Stressing the consequences of trading in the prohibited items, Adeniyi said:

“We once again advise that any investment made into the smuggling

business is meant to be a loss because we will keep battling these enemies of our country.”