The Nigerian Customs Service, NCS, says its officers have intercepted imported drugs, including sex enhancement drugs and other items along the Katsina state axis worth N110.89 billion.
The coordinator, Strike Force Zone ‘B’, DC. Useni Aliyu, who revealed this on Tuesday in Katsina while briefing reporters, said the seizure has been carried out from October 2 to date.
He said the service intercepted 52 boxes of different drugs with fake NAFDAC numbers valued at N6,102 million and a motorcycle valued at N60,000.
“During the period under review, we were also able to intercept 450 50-kilogram bags of foreign parboiled rice worth N10,890 million.
“We also intercepted another 100 25-kg bags of the same parboiled rice worth 1,210 million naira, 300 boxes of foreign spaghetti worth 1,080 million naira.
“Our operatives also managed to seize 790 boxes of foreign soaps worth $ 91,008,000 hidden in packages of noodles,” he said.
According to Aliyu, the success was part of his efforts in anti-smuggling operations within the axis to achieve his zero tolerance policy for smuggling.
“Anti-smuggling activities are continuous work, and smugglers will not back down in their efforts to ensure zero tolerance for smuggling by blocking every corner,” he said.
He explained that the continued interception of foreign rice would help encourage local farmers to produce more to support the country’s economy.
Mr. Aliyu said that during the period under review, three suspects were arrested and released on administrative bail pending the conclusion of the investigation.