Customs impounds Dangote truck loaded with smuggled rice – Official

A truck stocked with 800 bags of smuggled rice has been intercepted by the Nigerian Customs Service.

The truck is believed to belong to one of Nigeria’s biggest conglomerates, Dangote Plc.

The Custom Unit Controller, Aliyu Mohammed, on Wednesday, while addressing journalists announced the seizure.

“The truck is also seized because it is a means of conveyance of the contraband goods. The truck has become the federal government’s property and will be auctioned when necessary,” Mr Mohammed said.

He said the customs also seized a truckload of codeine syrup worth about N240 million along the Mile 2-Oshodi expressway in Lagos.

PREMIUM TIMES had earlier reported how Mr Mohammed said between February and March this year, the unit seized 1,000 sachets of Tramadol worth N250,000 around the Sagamu axis of Ogun State; 13,810 of 50-kilogramme bags of rice worth N190,961,320; chest and lung tablet worth N105,600,000, among others.

‘Not aware’

When PREMIUM TIMES contacted Anthony Chiejina, the spokesperson for Dangote Plc, he said he was also not aware of the development.

He promised to contact Customs to verify the information. “I would contact the customs unit and get back to you,” he said.

He was yet to do as at the time of filing this report.

Dangote has repeatedly urged members of the public to report any of its truck seeing conveying goods not associated with the firm.

Dangote does not produce or import rice.