The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has reaffirmed its commitment to combating illicit trade following the interception of a truck ferrying 144 bags of brown sugar.
The bags were concealed in a consignment of oranges at the Lunga Lunga One Stop Border Post, Kwale County.
Customs Enforcement officers, acting on intelligence, flagged a foreign-registered truck suspected of ferrying contraband brown sugar for inspection.
The truck was directed to the Verification Yard for a multi-agency inspection, which is mandatory under Section 153 of the East African Community Customs Management Act (EACCMA), 2004.
Upon thorough inspection, a consignment of 144 bags (each weighing 50kg) of smuggled brown sugar, valued at approximately Sh1,080,000, was discovered hidden beneath the oranges to avoid detection and evade tax.
Commissioner of Customs and Border Control Dr. Lillian Nyawanda said these are continuous efforts by the Authority to deter any potential smugglers from accessing our borders and smuggling in contraband goods.
“The driver of the truck could not produce any documents regarding the importation of the sugar. This act violates Sections 199 and 200 of the EACCMA, 2004,” said Dr. Nyawanda.
The truck and its contents are detained at the Customs Warehouse pending further investigation by the Multi-Agency Border Management team.
“KRA wishes to remind the public that sugar importation remains restricted in line with recent government directives aimed at supporting and reviving the local sugar industry.
The Authority remains steadfast in enforcing national and international trade laws to protect Kenya’s economy and borders,” added Dr. Nyawanda.
By Andrew Hinga
