The Oyo /Osun Command of the Nigeria Customs Service on Saturday evening destroyed more than 2,000 cartons of frozen chicken and turkey estimated at N14 million.
The command seized the goods from smugglers at 4.30 a.m. at Bakateri, off Abeokuta-Ibadan Road on September 11.
The Command’s Controller, Richard Oteri, who was represented by the Deputy Controller (Administration), Usman Buba, said that a team led by Adamu Mohammed intercepted two buses loaded with the goods.
He said that the goods originated from Brazil.
“As we all know, poultry products and frozen foods are contraband and prohibited by the Federal Government
“The ban is to protect local farms, thereby securing employment for the citizenry and consequently increase economic growth,’’ he said.
According to the controller, the consumption of imported poultry product is dangerous to health.
“This is not only due to long period of storage but also due to the chemical used in preserving them and the long distance they cover before coming into the country.
“This particular seizure is from Brazil; so, you can imagine the distance it covered and the time it took to come into Nigeria,’’ he added.
Mr. Oteri said that the command would continue to advise the general public to stop buying imported poultry products so as to discourage smugglers.
He said that the smugglers of the destroyed goods had been apprehended and would soon be prosecuted.
