Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has stopped a major smuggling attempt at the Port of Mombasa after intercepting more than 9.3 million sticks of contraband cigarettes valued at Ksh 281.1 million. The cigarettes were concealed in a 40-foot container that had entered the country under suspicious circumstances.
The seizure followed intelligence-led operations that prompted KRA to assemble a multi-agency verification team to inspect the cargo. Officers conducted a 100 per cent physical examination of the container to confirm compliance with tax, standards and enforcement regulations.
The operation brought together officers from KRA, Port Police, the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS), the Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA), Port Health Services and the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA). Their joint inspection confirmed the consignment consisted of 937 cartons containing approximately 9,370,000 sticks of cigarettes.
KRA said the cartons were labelled “Made in Sudan”, despite shipping documents indicating Cambodia as the country of consignment. The cargo had been routed through Singapore before arriving in Kenya and was reportedly destined for South Sudan.
According to the taxman, total taxes due on the seized cigarettes amounted to Sh83.4 million. This included Sh38.4 million in excise duty and Sh45 million in value-added tax (VAT), which would have been lost had the goods entered the market illegally.
“This interception underscores KRA’s unwavering commitment to border control and its mandate to protect society and legitimate traders from illicit trade,” said the KRA Commissioner for Customs and Border Control.
The authority added that it remains vigilant in safeguarding national revenue and ensuring fair market competition, noting that illicit tobacco trade undermines legitimate businesses and poses risks to public health.
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