KRA seizes 9.3 million contraband cigarettes worth Ksh.281M at Mombasa port

In a statement issued on Friday, KRA said the seizure thwarted an attempt to illegally import the cigarettes concealed in a 40-foot container.

According to KRA, the operation followed intelligence-led investigations that prompted the Authority to convene a multi-agency verification team.

"Given the nature of the cargo, a 100% physical examination was conducted to ensure compliance with tax, standards, and enforcement regulations. The exercise involved officers from KRA, the Port Police, Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS), Anti-Counterfeit Agency (ACA), Port Health Services, and Kenya Ports Authority (KPA)," reads the statement in part.

The verification confirmed the container was carrying 937 cartons containing a total of 9,370,000 cigarette sticks. The cartons were labelled “Made in Sudan,” despite the country of consignment being Cambodia.

The shipment was routed through Singapore before arriving in Kenya and was reportedly destined for South Sudan.

KRA noted that the total taxes payable on the intercepted consignment amount to Ksh.83.39 million, comprising Ksh.38.42 million in excise duty and Ksh.44.98 million in value added tax (VAT).