The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Ogun Area 1 Command, says it has seized contraband goods worth N380.37 million in duty paid value (DPV) in the last three weeks.

The new Area comptroller, James Ojo, said this at a news conference on Thursday in Abeokuta.

Mr Ojo said the items were intercepted at different locations within the command’s area of operation through intensive strategies and concerted efforts of its intelligence unit.

He said the command also made N14.628 million in revenue through baggage assessment and auction sales of petroleum products.

Mr Ojo listed the items seized by the command to include 90 sacks and 1,309 parcels of cannabis sativa, 1,596 pieces of foreign used pneumatic tyres, and 2,922 bags of foreign parboiled rice of 50kg.

Others were 32 bales of used clothes, 1,603 cartons of frozen poultry products and 22,600 litres of petrol, among others.

The area comptroller said the seized items had adverse effects on the well-being of the citizenry, especially the cannabis sativa, pneumatic tyres and foreign rice.

“The cannabis sativa has a devastating effect on the lives of its consumers, especially the youths.

“In addition, the rise in the abuse is of great concern with Nigerian society and a threat to our national security,” he said.

Mr Ojo said most foreign-used pneumatic tyres were not deemed unsuitable for highways because a significant number had exceeded their recommended lifespan from the manufacturing dates.

The area comptroller said the persistent rice smuggling would continue to hamper the nation’s economic growth and development.

He reaffirmed the dedication of the command to duty and commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of the people, adding that NCS remains resolute in carrying out its mandate with utmost patriotism.

Mr Ojo applauded the comptroller general of customs, Bashir Adeniyi, and his management team for their support and for creating an enabling environment for personnel to work.

(NAN)