The Ogun Area 1 Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) says its operatives have intercepted fake currency notes worth about N2.5 million.

The Command’s Controller, Michael  Agbara told newsmen in Abeokuta that the fake currency was intercepted due to the vigilance of officers of the command, adding that 40 drums of smuggled ethanol were also confiscated.

He said that the ethanol would be subjected to court condemnation while the suspects would  be prosecuted.

“These 40 drums contain industrial alcohol known as ethanol. This is strictly stamped by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control for industrial use but the criminals sold it to the public who mix it with water and take it as alcoholic drinks.

“This is harmful to the health of the people. It is a criminal activity for anyone to convert it to domestic use,” Agbara said.

The fake currency merchant, Samson Odejiba said he was commissioned by one Alfa to transport the currency to Owode from Idiroko. Odejibaa, who said he is a palm wine tapper added that he was promised N5,000 to do the job.