Customs seizes ‘tokunbo’ tyres in Ogun, goes after importers
The Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘A’ of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), on Friday, raided a village in Ogun State used by suspected smugglers to stockpile used tyres.
Acting Controller of FOU, Zone A, Kehinde Ejibunu, while addressing media men at the site, said the agency also impound a 20×40ft container loaded with brand new tyres found at the spot.
Ejibunu said he would profile the container using its number to get to those behind the importation.
According to him, the new tyres could have been used to conceal the fairly used tyres.
He said it was obvious the owners recapped the used tyres and made them look like new ones to be sold to members of the public, adding that this also accounted for the cause of accidents on major roads.
He further said, “You can see they are being packed in sizes; each size has one or two tucked into one. Used tyres fall under import prohibition list.”
Shocked at the possible use of such huge stock, Ejibunu said it could serve a twin-purpose, but “investigation will reveal whether they will retread and sell them as new because for someone to have this quantity kept in a discrete place like this has left much to be desired.