By Wuraola OyedokunÂ
The Nigeria Customs Service {NCS}, Oyo/Osun command, on Thursday, said it has dealt a major blow to drug smugglers operating in the region by intercepting and seizing smuggled fake drugs worth over N1billion along Bakatari area of Omi-Adio, Ibadan.
The seized fake drugs, according to the Area Controller, Ben Oramalugo, while addressing newsmen on Thursday at the command headquarters in Ibadan, had a total Duty Paid Value (DPV ) of N1,739,000,000,000 Â only for the 2024 fiscal year.
Oramalugo said the command has been an enforcement oriented command, which prioritised the fight against smuggling in all its operations.
He said NCS, through the area command, aimed to alleviate the hardship presently been experienced as a result of some economic saboteurs in the country, adding that they had also successfully intercepted and seized contraband goods, including items that posed threats to economic stability and lives of the citizens in the country.
He said: “For the period of  19th January to February, 2024, the command has intercepted and seized the following contraband goods, foreign parboiled rice 345 (50kg) bags, worth N24,218,000.00, Premium Motor Spirit, PMS, 344 (25 litres) kegs, worth N5,728,500.00, Indian Hemp, 4 wraps (4 Kilograms), worth N126, 000.00, Used tyres, 1309 pieces, worth N70, 140,000,00, used clothes  and shoes, 45 sacks/, 8 sacks/9 sacks, bales, worth N32,400,000.00/N10, 320, 000,00.”
“Fake Pharmaceuticals, Augumentin Tablet, (625mg), 7 sacks, worth N819,000,000,00, Ampiclox, 22 sacks, worth N440,000,000,00, Amoxylin Capsules, 24 sacks, worth N480,000,000,00, foreign wine, 34 cartons, 5 bottles, worth, N6,231,206,00, foreign vegetable oil, 40 bottles (5 litres), worth, N1,760,000,00, 21 bottles (1 litre), worth N99,225,00, totalling N1,890,022,931.00.”
He, however, reiterated the command’s effort towards the fight against ongoing economic difficulties by supporting the federal government to enhance food security in the country.
“Once again, we would like to reiterate that all boarders within the commands area of responsibility are still closed due to federal government policy on border closure and as such, command officers remain vigilant and dedicated to preventing the snuggling of items that could compromise to the health and well-being of our citizens,” Oramalugo stated.
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