Two arrested in Rivers with substandard 'ponmo'

The Rivers State Government says it seized a truckload of substandard animal hide, known popularly as ponmo in Onne, Eleme Local Government Area of the state.

The news of the goods which reportedly originated from Madagascar was confirmed by state Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Fred Kpakol. He confirmed that two persons have been arrested in connection with the incident.

“We got a tip-off that some canda meat that was imported found its way into the state. We went in and found out that it had come in from the Onne Port. It’s was a container full of canda meat. We were able to intercept it and took it to the area command. When it was opened, it was discovered that it was adulterated and stinking.

“From the import paper, we found out that it came in from Madagascar.”

The two persons arrested claimed the consignment was owned by a man simply known as Alhaji and contained raw materials for making shoes and bags. Further investigation is ongoing.