By Anne Ejuka
The Western Marine Command of the Nigeria customs Service (NCS), has recorded a 100 percent increase in anti snuggling operation along the western waterways in the year 2021.
The command, between January to November made several remarkable seizures of different goods with Total Duty Paid Value (DPV) Two billion, two hundred and fifteen million, one hundred and eighty thousand, seventy three naira and four kobo (N2, 215,180,073.4) in the year 2021. This is against the record of seizures in the year 2020 with DPV of One billion, one hundred and four million, six hundred and forty seven thousand, three hundred and seventy naira (#1,104,647,370.00).
According to a release signed by the Customs Area Controller (CAC), DC Enonche Ochiba, the command intercepted 865 kegs of PMS at Ashipa Beach along Seme in the month of December, “On Wednesday 8 December 2021 in our continuing onslaught against smuggling on the waterways; the officers and men of Coastal and Harbour patrol (Bar-Beach) while on credible intelligence intercepted large quantity of PMS in Kegs at Ashipa Beach along Seme Coastal Border area. Unfortunately, no arrest was made as the smugglers took to their heels upon sighting the patrol team".
The CAC declared, “The Kegs were secured and evacuated to the base. Upon examination it was found to be Eight Hundred and Sixty Five (865) Kegs of 25litres each of PMS given a total of 21,625 litres. The total value of the seizure is Three million six hundred and thirty three thousand naira(N3, 633,000.00).”
DC Ochiba while highlighting his achievement since assumption of office, said, “As you are all aware that I took over the mantle of leadership of Command on 2 July 2021 and upon my assumption, I re-jigged the operational activities of the Command by creating patrol and surveillance teams to complement the efforts of our existing patrol teams cut across South Western waterways thereby achieving seamless and efficient operations".
Adding, “The operatives of the Command under my watch have recorded unprecedented seizures ranging from Heroine, Cannabis Sativa (Marijuana), Rice, Expired Drugs, Used Shoes, Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and others with Seven (7) suspects arrested in connection with the seized hard drugs which were handed over to the NDLEA for possible prosecution".
DC Ochiba reiterated, “These records are strong indication that the operatives of the Command are working tirelessly to combat smuggling on the waterways".
The CAC however warned, “Those smugglers and would-be smugglers; 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".
The CAC appealed to the public, “I will like to seize this 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".
He continued, “Let me on behalf of the Officers and Men of Western Marine Command appreciate the CGC and his management team for their motivation and support for the Command in the discharge of our statutory responsibilities. We will continue to discharge the duty vested on them and will not rest on their oars in the fight against smuggling and drug trafficking".