N3.6bn Donkey Skins Seized in Imo, Customs Boost Efforts Against Smuggling

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The Nigeria Customs Service, Federal Operations Unit Zone C in Owerri, has intercepted a 40ft containerised dry donkey skin billed for export in Owerri, Imo State.

In a statement on Tuesday, the service explained that the prohibited item which is classified as dry salted donkey skin, was unraveled by the eagle-eyed officers following a comprehensive examination of the container.

Dry donkey skin is a product listed under the Export Prohibition List by the Federal Government due to its implications on biodiversity, environmental balance, and the illegal trade in endangered species.

The statement added that upon examination, it was discovered that the items were packed in 10 pieces per sack and 9 pieces per sack, “totalling 3,022 pieces.

“Each dry salted donkey skin, has an average weight of 4.5kg, giving a total weight of 13.599 kilograms.

A 40-ft containerised donkey skin billed for illegal export and worth about N3.6bn has been intercepted by vigilant officers of the Federal Operations Unit Zone C in Owerri,” the statement read in part.

According to the statement, further investigations unraveled the global price of dry salted donkey skin stands at $750 and a unit price of $166.6 per kilogram.

The Customs Area Controller in charge of FOU Zone C, Abdullahi Balogun, commended the dedication and professionalism of the operatives involved in the seizure.

He emphasised that the leadership of the Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, remains fully committed to enforcing government trade policies and combating the smuggling of prohibited and endangered goods.

Balogun warned individuals and syndicates involved in the illegal trade of wildlife and restricted items to desist, stressing that the service will continue to intensify surveillance, intelligence gathering, and strategic enforcement operations across all zones.

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