By Thompson ABISOLA
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone B, said it has seized 1,270 bags of foreign rice in two weeks in Katsina State.
The Comptroller FOU, Zone B, Mr Mustapha Sarkin-Kebbi, disclosed this during a news briefing on Monday in Katsina.
Sarkin-Kebbi said the unit also impounded 200 bales of second-hand clothes as well as 70 bags of foreign sugar and 80 cartons of foreign spaghetti during the period.
He said 26 vehicles suspected to have been used to convey the items by the smugglers were also been seized.
Sarki-Kebbi explained that the items had Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N128 million, adding that they were impounded along the Jibiya border.
“Katsina is a border state, it has large borders naturally, you expect more of such to happen here than in other states.
“We acted on intelligence information and arrested the suspects.
“The FOU Zone B operatives don’t mount check-point in the hinterland,’’ he said.
Sarkin-Kebbi stressed that the NCS would continue to enlighten border communities on the dangers associated with smuggling.
He said what smugglers are doing is inimical to the economy and the development of the country, adding that some of the border communities do not know the dangers associated with smuggling.
“We will let them know that they can earn a living without resorting to smuggling,’’ Sarkin-Kebbi said.
He added that operatives also arrested six persons in connection with smuggling activities during the period.
