(Tororo) – A joint operation by the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) and security agencies successfully intercepted a vehicle loaded with smuggled phones and accessories at Malaba.
On October 16, 2024, the Malaba Enforcement team, in collaboration with Busia Enforcement and other security stakeholders, acted on credible intelligence received at 10:00 a.m. The information indicated that a Prado TX vehicle, with registration number UAL 582F, was transporting illegal goods from Kenya.
To execute the operation, the Malaba team set up a perimeter and ambush at the Kimwanga traffic checkpoint. Meanwhile, the Busia team provided backup to ensure that the suspect vehicle did not escape. The team soon learned that the Prado was already in the possession of the Traffic Police on the Tororo-Mbale road.
Once the Prado was secured, it was handed over to the Malaba Enforcement team for verification. The driver was apprehended at the Magodesi police post after being misled into stopping there. The authorities had tricked him into branching off, where he was handcuffed upon arrival.
As the intercepted vehicle made its way to the Malaba enforcement office, a security team followed closely, attempting to block it. However, the regional supervisor intervened, allowing the vehicle to proceed without further incident.
Upon arrival at the enforcement office, the vehicle underwent a thorough inspection by all relevant parties. The verification process revealed that it contained 17 packages filled with smuggled phones and accessories. Following this discovery, both the goods and the vehicle were seized, and the driver was arrested and transferred to Nakawa for further legal proceedings.
