By Kabahweza Kamugisha
On Monday, Uganda Revenue Authority impounded drugs that were smuggled into the country through Entebbe Airport. The suspect identified as Kizigo J. Farouk was found with an assortment of human drugs in a box, amounting to 138 packets containing over 2,700 tablets. The consignment of drugs included Amoklavin, Nexium, Aerius, Duphaston and Augmentin.
Simon Esunget, the URA customs head at Entebbe Airport explained that upon interrogation, the suspect claimed that the drugs were for personal use and he had declared them as personal belongings on arrival at the airport.
After interrogation, it was discovered that the Kizigo was illegally transacting on behalf of Ken Ssenkuma of Mukono .
National Drugs Authority officials also confirmed that the said drugs had been illegally imported and did not meet the labelling requirement as per the National Drug Policy and Authority Act CAP 206.
Esunget noted that there is a big challenge at the airport where by a consignee can use about ten people to smuggle drugs into Uganda since most airlines allow a certain weight for a traveler.
He also further clarified that URA is heavily relying on non-intrusive technology assisted suspected items smuggled by travelers.
The drugs have been taken to the NDA headquarters in Kampala for offence management.
