A man suspected of running cross-border smuggling operations has been arrested after months of dodging enforcement teams. He was caught in a joint operation following a tip-off from an informant in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The suspect was well known for disguising illegal goods as “taka taka” (waste material), often packing them in small amounts to avoid suspicion. This trick had helped him escape capture for months. But his latest consignment was unusually large, raising suspicion and prompting officers to act quickly.
Enforcement teams tracked his movements and intercepted his vessel soon after it entered Ugandan waters. When they searched the boat, they found several packages hidden under a tarpaulin. Inside were goods ranging from cosmetics, cooking oil, and rice to solar batteries, fishing nets, and a large stock of cigarettes.
Officials confirmed that offence management procedures are ongoing, and the suspect may face prosecution under customs and border control laws.
Geoffrey Benyweza, a customs officer in Nsonga, praised the role of informants in the successful operation and reassured the public of URA’s determination to stop smuggling.
“This operation sends a clear message that the era of hiding behind ‘taka taka’ is over. We are watching, and we will act,” Benyweza emphasised.
