Ogun Customs seizes contraband worth N380m in 23 days

By Omobolaji Adekunle, Abeokuta

The Ogun State Customs Command Comptroller James Ojo has achieved  success in intercepting contraband worth N380,370,911 within 23 days of assuming office.

This was made during the maiden press briefing held at Abeokuta, Ogun State, where Comptroller  James Ojo highlighted the Command’s anti-smuggling exploits and other notable achievements.

Assuming office on April 16, 2024, Comptroller Ojo wasted no time in hitting the ground running, swiftly initiating measures to combat illicit trade activities across the state.

Through intensive intelligence strategies and collaborative efforts with agencies such as the Customs Intelligence Unit and the Department of State Services (DSS), the Command was able to intercept a total of 103 items at various locations within Ogun State.

The seized items included 90 sacks and 1,309 parcels of cannabis sativa, 1,596 pieces of foreign-used pneumatic tyres, 2,922 bags of foreign parboiled rice weighing 50kg each, 32 bales of used clothes, 1,603 cartons of frozen poultry products, and 22,600 litres of Premium Motor Spirit, among others.

The cumulative Duty Paid Value (DPV) of these intercepted items revealed the magnitude of the Command’s success in curbing illegal trade activities within the state.

During the briefing, Comptroller Ojo emphasised the adverse effects of the seized items on societal well-being, particularly highlighting the dangers of cannabis sativa and foreign-used pneumatic tyres.

He reiterated the government’s policy on the prohibition of rice importation through land borders, emphasizing the need to promote local production and self-sufficiency to foster economic growth and development.

The Command also generated revenue amounting to N14,628,661 through baggage assessment and auction sales of petroleum products.

Comptroller Ojo assured compliant traders of the Command’s maximum cooperation while issuing a stern warning to economic saboteurs to desist from.