Customs intercepts plastic rice; arrest suspect
- The Nigerian Customs Service intercepted bags of plastic rice
- One suspect was arrested in connection to the fake rice
- The service vows to reduce smuggling to the barest minimum
The Nigerian Customs Service has intercepted 102 bags of plastic bags which smugglers were planning to sell into the Nigerian market.
NAN reports that the federal operations unit in Ikeja made the discovery of the plastic rice branded “Beat Tomato Rice” with not manufacturing date.
Comptroller Mohammed Haruna who is the customs area controller spoke on Tuesday, December 20 explaining that the rice was stored for 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.”
H said investigation into the distribution of the rice has commenced and applauded Nigerians for providing vital information that led to the arrest and interception.
Haruna 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.
- One suspect was arrested in connection to the fake rice
- The service vows to reduce smuggling to the barest minimum
The Nigerian Customs Service has intercepted 102 bags of plastic bags which smugglers were planning to sell into the Nigerian market.
NAN reports that the federal operations unit in Ikeja made the discovery of the plastic rice branded “Beat Tomato Rice” with not manufacturing date.
Comptroller Mohammed Haruna who is the customs area controller spoke on Tuesday, December 20 explaining that the rice was stored for 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.”
H said investigation into the distribution of the rice has commenced and applauded Nigerians for providing vital information that led to the arrest and interception.
Haruna 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.
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