The Nigerian Customs Service, Ogun State command said it intercepted and seized a truck loaded with 3,000 cartons of imported poultry products, with estimated duty paid value of N67.5m. Other items impounded are two Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) and seized 17kg of cannabis, allegedly smuggled from the neighbouring Republic of Benin.
Briefing newsmen at the command headquarters in Abeokuta, the Customs Area Controller, Ogun State, Sani Madugu, said the truck, allegedly belonging to Dangote Cement, was intercepted around 3.45a.m on Saturday at the Sagamu Interchange axis of Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
Madugu, added that the intelligence operatives of the command had been on the trail of the contraband product, which according to him, was smuggled into the country through the creeks, from the loading point in Cotonou.
He disclosed that the consignment was conveyed in small vehicles for 24 hours and later transferred the poultry product into the truck.
The Controller further pointed out that the heat turned on the smugglers by customs in Ogun State, had forced them (smugglers) to change tactics by making use of vehicles belonging to corporate organizations and companies, to smuggled goods into the country.
Madugu, who told journalists that the driver of the truck, on sighting customs operatives, jumped out of the vehicle and ran away, said the driver’s partner was apprehended.