The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has intercepted over 9.3 million sticks of contraband cigarettes, valued at Sh281.1 million, at the Port of Mombasa, foiling an attempt to illegally import the goods.
The cigarettes were discovered in a 40-feet container during a multi-agency verification exercise conducted based on intelligence received by KRA. A 100% physical examination was carried out to ensure compliance with tax, standards, and enforcement regulations.
“Given the nature of the cargo, a 100% physical examination was conducted to ensure compliance with tax, standards, and enforcement regulations,” said KRA Account Executive Hilda Rutere on Friday.
The operation involved officers from KRA, Port Police, Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS), Anti-Counterfeit Agency (ACA), Port Health Services, and Kenya Ports Authority (KPA).
The inspection confirmed 937 cartons, containing 9,370,000 sticks of cigarettes, labeled as “Made in Sudan,” although the consignment originated from Cambodia.
The shipment had been routed via Singapore and was destined for South Sudan. According to KRA, the total unpaid taxes on the cargo amounted to Sh83,393,000, including Sh38.4 million in excise duty and Sh44.9 million in Value Added Tax (VAT).
Rutere emphasized that the interception highlights KRA’s commitment to border control, public protection, and ensuring a level playing field for legitimate traders.
“Illicit trade undermines revenue collection and harms honest businesses. KRA remains vigilant in safeguarding national revenue and enforcing fair market competition,” she said.
The authority also urged the public and traders to report suspicious consignments to help curb smuggling and protect the country’s economic interests.
Just a week ago, KRA intercepted a consignment of illicit ethanol worth Sh16.26 million near the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) corridor in Nairobi.
The operation was prompted by an intelligence tip-off about lorries transporting unlawful ethanol. Officers arrived at the site and recovered 20 drums of ethanol, each with a capacity of 250 litres, totaling 5,000 litres.
Preliminary assessments estimated that the seized ethanol, if released into the market, would have yielded approximately 48,200 bottles, with an estimated market value of Sh14.46 million.
A vehicle recovered at the scene was valued at Sh1.8 million, bringing the total value of goods seized to Sh16.26 million. KRA noted that tax losses would have amounted to Sh7.42 million, including Sh2.6 million in VAT and Sh4.82 million in excise duty.
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