High Value Phones, Fabrics and Laptops Seized in Jinja Smuggling Operation

A recent operation by the Jinja Enforcement team, codenamed “Kivuli cha Dhahabu,” resulted in the seizure of high-value electronics and fabrics. The operation, which translates to “Shadow of Gold,” followed intelligence received about a shipment of smuggled goods that had been imported through Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Kenya and was being transported to Kampala.

The enforcement team acted quickly, tracking the shipment to Jinja and carefully avoiding saboteurs who were monitoring their movements. The operation uncovered a large consignment of valuable items, including smartphones, phone screens, and used laptops, with an estimated value exceeding $21,500 (approximately UGX 79,550,000). Among the items seized were several high-end devices, including iPhones, Samsung phones, and a DJI Mini 4Pro drone.

Specifically, the confiscated goods included two iPhone 15 Pro Max 512GB, two iPhone 14 Pro 256GB, one iPhone 14 Pro Max 256GB, one iPhone 12 Pro Max 128GB, two Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6, one Galaxy Z Fold 5, one Galaxy Z Fold 4, one Galaxy Z Flip 6, fourteen Samsung Galaxy A55 5G phones, 386 phone LCD screens, and 18 used laptops.

In another related operation, the team intercepted a truck suspected of smuggling fabric materials. Acting on a tip-off, they followed the truck to Kakira and found it loaded with various types of fabric. Upon further inspection, authorities discovered 1,052.5 square meters of polycotton curtain material, 313.6 square meters of curtain netting material, and 2,662.5 square meters of screen-printed spun rayon fabric.

According to URA, the success of these operations underscores the URA’s commitment to combatting smuggling and ensuring the protection of Ugandan markets. Smuggling not only harms legitimate traders but also distorts market dynamics by introducing illegal goods into the country.

The following table illustrates the breakdown of the seized items from the operation:

The authorities say they remain vigilant, urging traders to comply with trade regulations to avoid penalties and protect Uganda’s legitimate businesses from the disruptive influence of smuggling.