By Our Reporter
PAKWACH
Uganda Revenue Authority, (URA) Enforcement Team has impounded 92 cartons of smuggled ORIS Cigarettes in Pakwach.
According to a URA statement, a coordinated enforcement operation in Pakwach last week led to the interception of a truck loaded with 92 cartons of smuggled Oris cigarettes, disguised under bags of maize.
The early morning operation was triggered by intelligence from a trusted informer from Nebbi District on November 27.
The tip-off indicated that a truck, UBG 121X, was ferrying contraband cigarettes towards Kampala. The goods were allegedly hidden in a false compartment, shielded behind maize bags.
The team mounted a surveillance position around Nyaravur, monitoring the vehicle’s movement for hours. At around 7 am, the truck was sighted heading towards Pakwach. After making a brief stop in town, it proceeded towards the URA checkpoint where officers had already prepared for an interception.
The vehicle appeared to be carrying only 10 bags of maize. However, a deeper search, which included breaking a false boundary of the vehicle, uncovered the smuggled goods. Tobacco products attract higher taxes as their consumption poses serious health risks.
The driver, turn-boy, and a purported off loader were immediately arrested.
URA also seized three mobile phones, including two smartphones and one Tecno button phone, believed to contain communication records crucial for the ongoing investigation.
The Manager of Enforcement, Northern region, emphasized that this operation demonstrates the Authority’s increased vigilance against smuggling networks that exploit rural routes and concealed compartments.
This interception represents another significant achievement in the fight against illicit trade, which costs the country billions in lost revenue each year.
