The Comptroller, Nigeria Customs Service, Federal Operations Unit, Zone C, Owerri Amajam Bukar Alhaji, yesterday, said 20 suspected smugglers out of the number arrested in connection with some of seizures have been granted bail as the law stipulates.
He said two had been released after meeting their bail conditions, while 27 cases were still pending in court.
He expressed concern over smuggling activities in the creeks between Ufom in Cross River State and Akwa Ibom State.
Amajam regretted that smugglers now pitched their tent in areas to engage in such contraband activities thereby frustrating the operations of the unit in tackling their activities.
The comptroller pointed out the need to address some of their challenges through the procurement of sophisticated high speed boats; bullet proof jackets and other equipment that would enable them match the smugglers so as to curtail their activities in the creeks.
He reiterated the resolve of the unit to apply indigenous means to nip in the bud all activities of smugglers in the area, even in the event of evading detection.
He frowned at the speed with which informants to the smugglers give out information about his men on sighting their presence near the creeks.
He insisted that while the smugglers kept finding ways to evade detection, the officers and men of the unit would never relent in the battle.
While he commended importers and traders for complying with the relevant laws and regulations, he appealed to the intending importers/exporters to become familiar with applicable laws and regulations to avoid being on the wrong side of the law.
He warned those who engaged in the negative act of smuggling to have a rethink and make a positive attitudinal change and engage in legitimate trade.
