The Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) Enforcement Team has apprehended three economic saboteurs in two separate operations, which resulted in the seizure of large quantities of uncustomed goods.
In the first operation, URA Enforcement received intelligence about a boat loaded with contraband goods from Kenya. The team was dispatched to Bulosi Beach and ambushed the boat upon its arrival. The crew was found in possession of smuggled goods, including Simba cement, assorted wheat flour, biryani rice, cooking oil, Kibuyu soap, and engine oil. The smuggled items were impounded, and the boat was escorted to the station.
A similar operation was carried out earlier this month, resulting in the arrest of two smugglers who were attempting to smuggle wheat flour, rice, and other consumer items in Madwa, Majanjji, and Sagiti on Martyrs’ Day.
In the second operation, the URA Enforcement Team received a call from the Fisheries Protection Unit about the whereabouts of a suspected boat carrying smuggled goods. The team moved swiftly to Nalwere Landing Site and seized wheat flour, rice, Simba cement, engine lubricant oil, and cooking oil, among other items.
Offense management is ongoing, according to URA Enforcement.
The URA has warned smugglers and economic saboteurs that they will be caught and prosecuted. It also urged the public to report any suspicious activities to the authorities.
The apprehension of these smugglers is a significant win for the URA Enforcement team in the fight against smuggling and illegal trade in Uganda. The URA continues to work tirelessly to ensure that the country’s economy is protected and that smugglers are brought to book.