BY SIMON NDIVE KALLA
The Tiko Customs Unit headed by Senior Customs Inspector Fourou Kerbai Ferdinand has seized and destroyed some contraband goods which were being smuggled into the country from neighbouring Nigeria through the wharf.
Amongst the seized goods presented to the press on Wednesday, March 21, 2018 at Tiko customs were cartons of expired drugs, non Biodegradable plastic and cartons of cigarettes.
Fourou Kerbai said the port cannot serve as a transit area for illicit and contraband goods. He told the press that the seizure has sent a strong warning signal to fraudsters and dealers in contraband goods that it will not be business as usual at the Tiko wharf any longer.
He however urges government to modernize the Tiko seaport and clear old stock of goods which are occupying space and putting the health of the people at risk. He added that this will generate more revenue to the customs sector in the Region and country in general.
The chief of the mobile customs Sahibou Moussa and his assistant Ngong Linus Chia said the seizure was the joint effort of a crack team put in place and mechanism employed to kick out all fraudulent cases. The mobile team leader said they discovered that the goods expired and were illegal and something had to be done immediately.
The goods comprises of 766 cartons of medicine, 624 non biodegradable plastics, 158 cartons of cigarettes estimated at about FCFA 108,000,000.
On his part, the divisional officer for Tiko, Anuafor Cletus Asongwe said the seizure and destruction of the contraband goods sends a strong warning to those who thought that Tiko wharf is a safe haven for importation of illicit goods.
“Behind me is close to 13 tons of illicit goods worth over FCFA 108,000,000. Amongst which are imported drugs which are past their expiry date since 2016. You can imagine how dangerous it could be to the health of our population if these goods had made it into the market.” Anuafor Cletus told reporters.
On her part, the divisional delegate for environment protection of nature and sustainable development for Fako, Madam Makomra Dama Adele told reporters that the seized non biodegradable plastics will be destroyed because they are less than 60 micron of thickness and are harmful to the environment.
Picture (1) Chief of customs Tiko Fourou Kerbai Ferdinand
Picture (2) DO, chief customs Tiko and his entourage at Modeka neighborhood destroying illegal goods.
Picture (3) illegal goods burnt in flames