Customs officers from Ikeja, Lagos made a shocking discovery this week. They intercepted a consignment of several bags of rice made with plastic. The total number of bags intercepted is 102.
This development was revealed to the media on Tuesday, December 20 by Comptroller Mohammed Haruna who is the Customs Area Controller. He explained that the aim was to sell the plastic rice at the market to unsuspecting buyers during the yuletide period.
He explained that officers intercepted the plastic rice along Ikeja area on Monday and that a suspect was arrested in connection with the seizure.
He said: “Before now, I thought it was a rumour that the plastic rice is all over the country but with this seizure, I have been totally convinced that such rice exists.
“We have done the preliminary analysis on the plastic rice. After boiling, it was sticky and only God knows what would have happened if people consumed it.
“I advise those economic saboteurs who see yuletide season as a peak period for nefarious acts to desist from such illegal business.
“The unit has decided other operational modalities that will make them run for their monies and count their losses.”
Mr Haruna said investigation into the distribution of the rice has commenced and applauded Nigerians for providing vital information that led to the arrest and interception.
He added that the distribution of the rice has been blocked and that smuggling will be reduced to its barest minimum.
He said the plastic rice will be handed over to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control for proper investigation.