In a dramatic early morning operation conducted late last month, enforcement officers from the Gulu Logistics Hub Enforcement and Border Control Team impounded a vehicle loaded with smuggled cigarettes believed to be destined for Mbale City.

This seizure followed credible intel of a Toyota Noah registration number UBN 785S that was being loaded with cigarettes destined for the eastern district.

The team deployed two contacts along the vehicle’s expected route to provide real-time updates while they maintained discreet surveillance throughout the night.

At around 7:30 am, the vehicle was reported to be on the move, passing through Awere Trading Centre. Enforcement officers set off intercepting it as it approached Customs Corner.

Thorough verification revealed 2,750 Bombas X 10 Pkts X 20 sticks of Oris cigarettes, totalling 55 cartons. The cigarettes were destined to be transferred to the Customs Warehouse for destruction, while the vehicle will face penalties in accordance with the respective sections of the East African Community Customs Management Act.

This operation highlights the increasing prevalence of cigarette smuggling networks in Northern Uganda and the critical role of local intelligence in combating illicit trade.

URA is intensifying operations and expanding its informant network to clamp down on smuggling routes.

By Irene Kabakama