Customs confiscates N226m contraband in one week

The Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone ‘C’ of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Owerri, Imo State, said it confiscated contraband and counterfeit drugs worth N226.38 million within a week in the zone.

Victor Dimka, aArea controller of the zone, said this while putting on show the items to newsmen in Owerri on Tuesday.

He said the drugs were dangerous for human consumption because they did not have NAFDAC registration number, and warned the public to desist from patronising individuals and drug stores stuffed with unregistered drugs.

He said other items seized were furniture, comprising 303 cartons of glass dining tables and 1,536 pieces and small glass side stools.

Also seized are 1,430 pieces of bags, (similar to laptop bags) valued at N8.58 million on Owerri-Eleme Port Harcourt Road.

He said the items were seized within one week, adding that no arrest had been made so far except a driver of one of the contraband, reiterating the determination of the customs to fight smugglers until they were brought to their knees.

According to him, the Nigeria Customs is now better equipped, trained and motivated to reduce smuggling to the barest minimum.

Victor Mmamel, state coordinator of NAFDAC, who received the items on behalf of the director-general of NAFDAC, commended the service for the good job.

He promised to continue to collaborate with customs and other security agencies to ensure that fraudulent businessmen and women stopped their nefarious acts.