The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Headquarters Monitoring Team, Idiroko Axis, intercepted 600 bags of rice and five cars valued at N39.05 million in two days (July 31 and Aug. 1)

This was contained in a statement in Lagos by Mr.Uche Ejesieme, Public Relations Officer, Federal Operations Unit of NCS, Ikeja, Lagos.

The statement quoted the Team Coordinator, a Deputy Comptroller, Yahaya Biri, as saying that the first seizure of rice was made on July 31 along Lagos – Shagamu Expressway, while on an information patrol.

The Coordinator said the team trailed the consignment, which was believed to have come from unapproved routes.

He added that the rice consignments, with a Duty Paid Value of N3.9 million were being transported in a truck with registration number XS 250 KTU.

Biri said that two suspects arrested at the point of interception of the consignment had been detained by the NCS for further interrogation.

He said on Aug. 1, the team also intercepted five new Toyota Corolla cars along the Lagos-Shagamu Expressway while acting on an intelligence report.

He said the cars had a duty paid value of N35.15 million.

Biri said that importation of rice was not prohibited, “but its importation is restricted to the seaports at a duty and levy of 10 per cent and 60 per cent respectively.”

Biri said that smugglers would have a tough time with the team in the days ahead following the fine-tuning of its operational modalities in conjunction with other customs formations.

He said the team, in concert with other NCS teams, would remain undaunted in the discharge of its functions. (NAN)