The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has intercepted more than 9.3 million sticks of contraband cigarettes valued at KSh 281.1 million at the Port of Mombasa, thwarting an attempted illegal import concealed in a 40-foot container.
According to KRA, the shipment had been falsely declared, with cartons labelled “Made in Sudan” despite the country of consignment being Cambodia. The cargo was routed through Singapore before arriving in Kenya and was reportedly destined for South Sudan.
In a statement issued on Friday, the tax authority said the interception was part of its ongoing efforts to combat illicit trade.
“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.
Due to the suspicious nature of the consignment, authorities conducted a 100 per cent physical examination to verify compliance with tax, standards and enforcement regulations.
“The exercise involved officers from KRA, the Port Police, Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS), Anti-Counterfeit Agency (ACA), Port Health Services, and Kenya Ports Authority (KPA),” the statement read in part.
The verification confirmed that the container was carrying 937 cartons, containing a total of 9,370,000 cigarette sticks. KRA further revealed that the total taxes payable on the intercepted consignment amount to KSh 83.39 million, comprising KSh 38.42 million in excise duty and KSh 44.98 million in value added tax (VAT).
KRA reiterated that it remains vigilant in safeguarding national revenue and ensuring fair market competition, warning that illicit trade poses a serious threat to consumers, legitimate businesses and the economy at large.