The Nigeria Customs Service, Oyo/Osun Area Command has impounded a bullion van and 10 fairly used vehicles loaded with smuggled rice.
The bullion van was intercepted at Saki axis within the command.
The Command also impounded 16 fairly used exotic cars, two brand new Land Rover Discovery, one fairly used Man Diesel Truck and a truck carrying a smuggled brand new Honda Accord car, all within its area of coverage.
Addressing journalists at the Command Barracks in Ibadan, Oyo State on the seizures, the Customs Area Controller, Mr. Tolulope Ogunkua said it was worrisome to note that some Nigerians remained unrepentant even as they continue to lose.
He said the arrest of the bullion van, meant for convening cash now used in concealing smuggled imported foreign rice, should send a serious signal to the smugglers.
While appealing to well-meaning Nigerians to engage in legitimate businesses and shun smuggling, Ogunkua maintained that anyone arrested with smuggled items would be prosecuted and charged to court.
“In keeping to this promise, the command initiated new anti-smuggling strategies, leading to remarkable exploits evidenced in the seizures on display today, which include, one bullion van loaded with rice, one fairly used Rover, one fairly used Toyota Highlander, two fairly used Toyota Camry, two fairly used Volkswagen Golf, two fairly used Mercedes Truck loaded with Rice, two fairly used Nissan Land Rover, one fairly used Man Diesel Truck and two fairly used Nissan Urvan loaded with Rice.
Also on displayed were five fairly uses Toyota Hiace loaded with rice, one fairly used Nissan Vannet loaded with smuggled imported rice, two fairly used Toyota Land Cruiser, one fairly used Mazda 626, one fairly used Honda Accord Saloon, one fairly used Lexus GX470, one fairly used Daihatsu Atrai, one fairly used lite Ace bus, two brand new Land Rover Discovery and a truck carrying smuggled brand new Honda Accord.
“It is worrisome to note that some Nigerians have remained unrepentant. This is in spite of Federal Government’s visible efforts in transforming the agricultural sector, especially in the area of rice production as well as the increased prevalence of expired imported rice with its hazardous health implications.
“However our resolve to deal with them remains unshaken more so now that the present management has directed thorough investigation with a view to prosecuting all those that will be found connected to this illegal act,” Ogunkua said.
