Authorities intercepted two trucks carrying 520 bags of suspected smuggled sugar at the Taveta One-Stop Border Post yesterday, in a joint operation aimed at curbing illegal trade across Kenya’s borders, reports The Standard.
Each truck was found to be transporting 260 bags of sugar, bringing the total seizure to 664 bags over the past two weeks. Two weeks ago, another truck was caught with 144 bags of sugar concealed under a load of oranges at the Lunga Lunga border post.
The latest operation was carried out after authorities received information about the two vehicles, both registered in Kenya — KDT 085 M and KCS 144 B. The trucks were intercepted along the Taveta-Voi Road, at Salaita and the Taveta Bypass.
Commissioner of Customs and Border Control, Dr Lilian Nyawanda, said the trucks were found carrying sugar that had not been cleared through official customs processes.
“The trucks were inspected, and each was found carrying uncustomed sugar,” she said. “The packaging lacked key details such as manufacturing date, expiry date, and batch numbers.”
The drivers were unable to produce any documents to prove the sugar had been lawfully imported. The seized goods are currently being held in the customs warehouse while investigations continue.
Dr Nyawanda emphasized the Kenya Revenue Authority’s continued efforts to tackle illegal trade and protect the country’s economy.
“We are committed to ensuring that illegal goods do not make their way into the local market. These actions protect public health and support fair business practices,” she said.
KRA urged importers to comply with customs regulations and reaffirmed its commitment to working with partner agencies to keep the country’s borders secure.
