By Akinyi Winiefred
Despite the dire consequences and losses that come with smuggling and selling restricted cigarettes in Uganda, some people still dare to engage in the trade. This week began badly for two smugglers who were caught in a strategically set ambush and covert operation respectively.
URA enforcement spent the better part of Monday waiting for the pair after learning that cigarette smugglers were operating in the border town of Elegu.
The first culprit was apprehended early in the day and discovered to be carrying twenty packs of Supermatch produced in Uganda for export, five cartons of Bombas, and seventeen cartons of Oris cigarettes manufactured in Germany.
Later in the night, a raid was conducted on the residence of the second perpetrator, where 30 cartons of German-made cigarettes were recovered.
Smuggling is an offense according to the East African Community Customs Management Act (EACCMA) under Section 200. A person who commits this offense is liable on conviction to imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years or to a fine equal to 50% of the dutiable value of the goods, or both.
Additionally, it is illegal to divert goods that are designated for export into the local market.
