Authorities Intensify War against Busia Border Contraband Cartels
A joint operation by Kakamega police and officers from the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) confiscated contraband cigarettes valued at a whooping sh14 million that had been smuggled into the country from neighbouring Uganda.
The driver of the lorry that had transported 350 boxes of fake cigarettes labeled ‘’Supermatch’’ was arrested while his accomplices dramatically escaped.
Uganda, which borders Western Kenya, is a major source of fake cigarettes and other illicit products, including cheap alcoholic drinks found in Kenya.
However, Western Regional Commissioner Irungu Macharia attributed the menace to the East Africa Common Market Protocol, that promotes the free movement of goods, people, services, labour and capital.
There’s growing concern that the protocol is being abused by cartels who enjoy protection of rogue customs officers, corrupt police officers and other crafty government officials linked to the thriving illicit trade.
In reaction to the recent operation, Mastermind Tobacco, which is the main victim in the counterfeit world, applauded the security agencies but quickly pointed out the need to review perceived lenient court fines for offenders found to be promoting the trade.
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