From Johnkennedy Uzoma, Owerri
In the effort to stop all manner of smuggling activities in the country, the Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘C’ of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Owerri has impounded three Cartons of Tramadol, three cartons of Codeine, used compressors, tyres, and foreign spices within three months.
The Controller of the Zone, Compt. Kayode Olusemire made this know why displaying the seized items to newsmen in its Imo/Abia Command office in Owerri.
Olusemire said that bags of foreign rice, second-hand clothing, cartons of spirits, mushroom sauces, various spices, and other items were also seized along Imo/Abia and Port Harcourt axis between the month of March and May. He said that six suspects were arrested in connection with the seized items but that they have been granted administrative bail.
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He described Tramadol and Codeine as enemy drugs of mankind especially the youths which had caused a lot of harm and contributed to various vices in the society.
“Tramadol and Codeine (when taken in large quantity) affect the brain and behaviour of those who take them,” he said.
On foreign rice importation, the unit controller said the Federal Government had engaged in programmes and initiated policies on agriculture as well as released loans to encourage farming especially growing of rice. He wondered why people should sell their conscience to sabotage government efforts of growing the economy.
He said: “Nigeria has arable land for subsistence farming. Government has come up with policies, programs, and loans to encourage farmers of local rice. He described importation of foreign rice and foreign soup/spices into the country as sabotage and inimical to the economic growth of the nation. He identified the items confiscated to include 112 bales of second-hand clothing, 3 cartons of Tramadol, 3 cartons of Codeine all with a duty paid value of N11.14 million, 310 bags of 50kg foreign rice with a DPV of N7.84 million seized
