Security and customs officers under the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) have intercepted mobile phones valued at over Shs200 million (approximately $55,000) in an operation targeting smugglers.
According to URA, intelligence-led operations over the past few weeks have led to the seizure of 781 smartphones and 108 button phones destined for the Ugandan market. The phones were confiscated from suspects employing sophisticated smuggling techniques to evade customs scrutiny.
The tax authority revealed that smugglers used a range of methods to conceal the devices. โPassengers repeatedly broke open bags on conveyor belts and concealed their cargo in hand luggage and other areas,โ URA stated.
Some smugglers reportedly buried the phones deep inside suitcases, mixing them with personal belongings, which were disguised as baggage belonging to migrant workers, locally referred to as “Kadama.” Others colluded with airport trolley pushers and cleaners to sneak the phones past customs, hidden in inconspicuous travel bags.
URA also uncovered instances where smugglers resorted to more audacious methods. “Some brazenly attempted to dash past the scanner, while others employed the old tactic of strapping phones to their bodies, hoping customs would not notice. Our enforcement officers persistently searched and thwarted their tactics,” the statement read.
The haul included a diverse range of devices, such as 258 Redmi, Oppo, Sony Xperia, and Sharp Aquos smartphones.
It also comprised 95 refurbished iPhones, 287 Samsung Galaxy phones (both new and used), 10 used Google Pixel 7 devices, five new Tecno Spark 20 Pro, 112 Infinix smartphones, 15 Huawei models, and various button phones, commonly referred to as “Kapeesa.”
Meanwhile, the tax authority has reiterated its commitment to clamping down on smuggling, which undermines government revenue collection efforts.
URA emphasised that such operations are part of broader efforts to protect the Ugandan market from contraband goods and ensure compliance with tax regulations.
URA has called on the public to report any suspicious activities to aid in curbing smuggling and preserving economic integrity.
The seized phones are expected to be held as evidence, with further investigations underway to identify and prosecute those involved in the illicit trade.
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