Customs Intercepts Diverted Truck of Cooking Gas in Cross River
The Nigeria Customs Service has intercepted a truck carrying diverted cooking gas in Cross River State, in a bid to combat the menace of smuggling and diversion of petroleum products.
The operation was carried out by Operation Whirl Stroke, Zone C, which handed over the diverted Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) truck to the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) for regulatory action.
The diverted cooking gas was discovered on a truck with registration number KAD 448 XA, which was intercepted at Ikang, a border town in Cross River State.
The Acting Area Controller of the Cross River/Calabar Free Trade Zone/Akwa Ibom Area Command, DC Nkeiruka O. Okafor, noted that the exercise is a demonstration of the Customs Service's commitment to safeguard the availability and safe distribution of petroleum products.
In a related development, the Customs Service auctioned 6,125 litres of smuggled Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) at the Calabar Port.
The auction was conducted by the Area Comptroller of the Cross River/Calabar Free Trade Zone/Akwa Ibom Area Command, DC Nkeiruka O. Okafor, who stated that the exercise underscores the Customs Service's commitment to combat smuggling and diversion of petroleum products.
The seized diverted cooking gas and smoked PMS were auctioned off to the highest bidders, with the proceeds used to fund the Service's operations.
The Nigeria Customs Service has continued to demonstrate its commitment to ensuring the availability and safe distribution of petroleum products in the country.
The exercise comes at a time when the country is experiencing a surge in smuggling activities, particularly in the Cross River State area.
The Nigeria Customs Service is committed to safeguarding the nation's economy and public interest by curbing smuggling and diverting of petroleum products.
<small>Source: The Sun Nigeria — read the original story there.</small>
