Early this month, the customs team in Packwach had been gathering information about a smuggler who had specialized in Chinese merchandise and storing the goods in zombo-one of the most hostile spots for smugglers in West Nile.
The smuggler was crafty enough to set up the stores bordering both Congo and Paidha on the Ugandan side.
According to intelligence reports, this smuggler had made it a habit to transport goods from Congo to Uganda tax free.
On the fateful day, he[smuggler] pretended to have locally purchased goods from Ugandan shops and was headed to supply them in Hoima and Kampala.
“A proper Customs officer knows that it is hard for someone to be shopping from Zombo to supply Kampala especially household items, plumbing and welding materials. We were on standby ready for the chase until we got him,” Frank Abaho, the Team Leader Pakwach Enforcement narrated.
As is the routine, his truck registration number UBJ673N/UBJ 674N was intercepted along with a list of forged local receipts. During verification, the following goods were discovered;
1000 pieces of resin welding wheel blades
850 dozens of concrete nails from china
280 dozens of high tensile Hex bolts
200 pieces of silk curtains from china
Additional Reporting by Immaculate Wanyenze
