The Western Marine Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has achieved over 100 percent in seizures made this year when compared to its performance of 2020.

The command made several seizures with total duty paid value of N2.2 billion.

Last year, it recorded seizures with total duty paid value of one billion, one hundred and forty-seven thousand, three hundred and seventy naira.

According to the acting Controller of the command, DC Enonche Ochiba, officers of the command on intelligence intercepted a large quantity of premium motor spirit popularly called petrol in kegs along Seme Coastal border area.

The 865 kegs of 25 litres each give a total of 21,625 litres.

The total value of the seizure is three million, six hundred and thirty-three thousand naira.

He regretted that no suspect was arrested as the smugglers took to their heels upon sighting the patrol team.

The controller disclosed that the command also recorded unprecedented seizures ranging from heroine, cannabis Sativa (marijuana), rice, expired drugs and used shoes.

He stated that seven suspects were arrested in connection with the seized hard drugs which were handed over to the NDLEA for possible prosecution.

Earlier in his speech, DC Ochiba said he took over the mantle of leadership of the Command on  July 2nd, 2021 and upon which he re-jigged the operational activities of the Command by creating patrol and surveillance teams to complement the efforts of existing patrol teams cut across South Western waterways thereby achieving seamless and efficient operations.

Ochiba further warned smugglers and would-be smugglers; that personnel of the service will continue to run them out of business saying “We are aware of your plans during the yuletide season, I want you to know that our operatives are vigilant and on patrol duties to tame the scourge of smuggling activities and other vices on the South Western waterways and will leave no stone unturned until you are apprehended and prosecuted”.

He seized the opportunity to call on members of the public to provide the operatives of the Service with genuine information that would aid in the fight against smuggling in the Country.

“We are all aware that the Federal Government is paying huge amount of money in subsidizing the Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) for the benefit of its citizenry, but the smugglers are sabotaging the efforts of the Federal Government for their gain at the detriment of all Nigerians,” the acting Controller lamented.