Customs arrests 34 illegal migrants, others in Ogun

The Joint Border Patrol Team Sector 2, South-West Zone of the Nigeria Customs Service (NSC) on Monday disclosed that its officers seized 816 Bags of foreign parboiled rice (5Okg each); 802 Jerry cans containing premium motor spirit (25 Litres each); 674kg of Cannabis Sativa and other contraband worth N556,431,200 at Idi-iroko, and Imeko area of Ogun.

Addressing newsmen in Lagos, the Deputy Comptroller in charge of the unit, Mohammed Salisu explained that aside the seized contraband, 34 illegal migrants were also arrested and handed over to the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) for onward prosecution over illegal migration issues.

According to Deputy Comptroller Salisu, “In our steadfast commitment to combating smuggling activities, we intensified patrols, sustained surveillance activities, and enhanced intelligence gathering within the border corridors, which disrupted smuggling networks.

“While acting on the core mandate of the Joint Border Patrol Team, which is to combat smuggling and illegal migration; our officers remained committed to duty which yielded the following seizures among others: 816 Bags of foreign parboiled rice (5Okg each); 802 Jerry cans containing premium motor spirit (25 Litres each); 285 Bales of used clothes; 61 Jumbo sacks of used shoes; 674kg of Cannabis Sativa; 8 Units of used vehicles

“The duty paid value of all the seizures recorded within the last four weeks stood at N556,431,200 while N8,020,000 was paid into the federation account from the auction sales of premium motor spirit (PMS) which could not be warehoused due to its flammable nature. Two suspects were arrested in connection with some of the seized wares.

“In combating illegal migration across the international border, we arrested 34 illegal migrants and handed over the same to the Nigeria Immigration Service for onward prosecution.

“In our commitment to significantly distort the trade supply chain of illicit drugs, the Joint Border Patrol Sector 2, intercepted 674kg of Cannabis Sativa at Idi-iroko, and Imeko areas of Ogun State during routine patrol operations.

“The effect of having this quantity of drugs in circulation has devastating effects on individuals, communities, and society as a whole. Illicit drug use is often linked to organised crime, violence, banditry, kidnapping, and health-related issues.

“The narcotics will be handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for investigation and further actions.

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