URA Intercepts Smuggled Goods Worth Shs100m in Port Bell Operation

In a well-coordinated 12-hour operation, the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) Team One enforcement intercepted smuggled goods valued at over Shs100 million aboard MV Pemba at Port Bell, Luzira.

The intelligence-led crackdown, which commenced on September 9 and concluded on September 10, 2024, highlighted the effectiveness of strategic espionage. Acting on a tip-off from a URA informer about uncustomed goods from Nyanza, the team swiftly boarded the Tanzania-bound ferry, unaware of the smugglers’ presence. Under the direction of URA water marshals, MV Pemba was steered to the dock, where the goods were seized and transferred to Nakawa Headquarters for verification and further action.

The haul included motor vehicle spare parts (such as motorcycle piston kits, valve sets, and clutch pads), food items, household goods (including toothpaste, fishing lines, and herbal soap), and cosmetics. The nine consignments belonging to suspected smugglers are now secured in the Customs warehouse.