Customs intercepts tanker loaded with smuggled rice

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) in Niger/Kogi Area Command has intercepted a tanker meant for petroleum products but loaded with foreign rice smuggled into the country. The diesel tanker with registration number RBC-05 ZS was intercepted at the Niger State end of the Abuja-Kaduna expressway, near Dikko junction. Briefing newsmen on the development and other […]

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) in Niger/Kogi Area Command has intercepted a tanker meant for petroleum products but loaded with foreign rice smuggled into the country.

The diesel tanker with registration number RBC-05 ZS was intercepted at the Niger State end of the Abuja-Kaduna expressway, near Dikko junction.

Briefing newsmen on the development and other seizures recorded by the command, the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Yusuf Abba-Kassim, said smugglers are devising desperate means to frustrate the federal government’s efforts in checking the prevalence of expired imported rice with its hazardous health implications.

He however said the Nigeria Customs is determined and will continue to beat the smugglers in their game through new strategies that have already been put in place.

He said the command also intercepted another truck loaded with 950 50kg bags of imported rice and nine bales of used clothing, as well as a Toyota Corolla car conveying 135 bags of imported rice.

Other seizures made at different locations within the command’s area of coverage within the month of October include 397 bags of imported rice hidden in a forest by smugglers; two Toyota Rav4 cars; four Toyota Corolla; one Peugeot 207 and one Mazda Premacy car,” the comptroller said.