In a significant victory against smuggling, the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) has intercepted a female traveller arriving from Dubai, who had ingeniously concealed 40 smartphones around her hips and bosom. The unnamed woman had meticulously hidden the devices beneath multiple layers of clothing.

Acting on intelligence reports and tips from informants in Dubai regarding passengers’ attempts to evade enforcement and non-intrusive inspection (NII) scanners, URA launched an operation codenamed “Kwata Essimu.”

Authorities observed a trend where passengers were opting for Fly Dubai flights over Uganda Airlines and Ethiopian Airlines in a bid to circumvent scrutiny.

Consequently, URA intensified surveillance measures on all inbound flights, employing techniques such as belt surveillance, NII cargo scanner scrutiny, thorough luggage inspections, and traveller interviews.

During the operation, URA’s enforcement team uncovered another smuggling tactic involving a false bottom in a box. Upon closer examination of a scanner image, officials discovered a concealed compartment at the bottom of the box, containing 44 smartphones.

Simon Esunget, acting manager of customs at Entebbe International Airport, commended the collaborative efforts of URA teams, which led to the recovery of taxes amounting to Shs 1.7 billion in just 28 days—a record-breaking achievement.

Additionally, authorities discovered more inventive hiding spots for smuggled goods, including smartphones disguised as everyday items like perfume boxes, flowers, and shoes, and even embedded within clothing and motor vehicle spares. Some devices were cleverly concealed within electronic devices such as car radios.

The successful interception of these smuggling attempts underscores URA’s commitment to combatting illicit activities and ensuring compliance with customs regulations.

The significant tax recovery reflects the effectiveness of enhanced surveillance measures and the dedication of enforcement teams at Entebbe International Airport.