More than 4,000 bombas of Oris Slim Double Apple Premium Cigarettes were seized by the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) during a Valentine’s Day operation that disrupted a major smuggling network. The 4,247 bombas, imported from Germany, were discovered concealed in a Toyota Noah traveling from Hoima to Kampala.
The vehicle, driven by a smuggler, had been using two different number plates—UAM 886W and UAL 235R—in an attempt to avoid detection by anti-smuggling units. Acting on a tip-off, the URA enforcement team intercepted the vehicle in Kakiri and carried out a thorough verification exercise, leading to the seizure of the smuggled goods.
The confiscated cigarettes are set to be destroyed to prevent their illegal distribution in the Ugandan market. Additionally, the vehicle used in the smuggling operation was forfeited to the state as part of the continued crackdown on illicit trade.
The URA reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding legitimate businesses by preventing the spread of illegal tobacco products. The authority also encouraged the public to purchase only cigarettes that bear the Digital Tax Stamp to ensure they are buying legally approved products.