Customs enforcement officers in Butiaba intercepted a vehicle suspected of smuggling illicit cigarettes from South Sudan. The vehicle, a box-body truck registration number UAH 552F, contained undeclared tobacco products in a concealed compartment.

When the enforcement teams lay an overnight ambush for the vehicle along the Buliisa–Hoima Road, it evaded capture. The next morning, an alert from a trusted informer indicated that the vehicle had passed through Bugungu Murchison Falls Gate, heading toward Buliisa.

Officers swiftly deployed a local boda boda rider, an undercover informer, to discreetly follow the vehicle while enforcement teams remained on standby at their base, ready to engage once the vehicle reached a point with limited escape options.

When the vehicle reached the Butiaba escarpment, officers moved in and successfully intercepted it along the Buliisa–Hoima route. An initial inspection confirmed it appeared empty, but given prior intelligence, officers conducted further checks by comparing the interior and exterior dimensions of the vehicle.

This inspection revealed discrepancies, prompting a more thorough search. A hidden compartment was discovered behind a bolted panel revealing several sacks containing illicit cigarettes.

Items seized included 2,000 Bombas of Oris Slims Double Apple-flavored cigarettes, packaged in 10 packets x 20 sticks each.

During the inspection, the driver fled from the scene, exploiting the officers’ focus on the vehicle to escape undetected.

Customs enforcement has initiated offense management procedures under relevant provisions of the East African Customs Management Act (EACMA) as well efforts to track down the suspect are ongoing.

By Irene Kabakama