URA seizes smuggled phones worth $35,000 at Entebbe airport

Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) has impounded 427 smuggled phones worth an estimated USD 35,000 from returning passengers at Entebbe Airport. The phones were intercepted in operations conducted by URA enforcement at the airport recently.

As the end of the financial year approached, smugglers intensified their effort to evade regulations. In a bold attempt to outsmart the vigilant enforcement, these smugglers resorted to fashion assisted concealment, turning the airport into a showcase for smuggling techniques.

Men wore corsets, while elderly women used garters, and leggings featuring special pockets designed for hiding contraband. Some jackets were filled to capacity with the items, resembling cramped apartments in Kyanja. However, the enforcement team remained undeterred.

In one instance, a woman was caught with phones strapped around her torso and thighs, the contraband fitting her like a second skin. Upon verification, it was discovered she was concealing 32 brand new Samsung phones. In another case, a suspicious looking bulge labelled as “BBL” was found to be an artificial bum hiding 24 assorted phones.

The operation also saw several Eritrean and Sudanese nationals intercepted with mobile phones on their bodies.

One Eritrean caught the officers’ attention due to an unusual “humpback.” However, unlike someone with a genuine medical condition, he moved surprisingly easily. A physical check revealed he was wearing a corset packed with 23 brand new Samsung A23 phones, all neatly wrapped around his chest. Clearly, just as fashion is all inclusive, smuggling is unisex too!

In total, 427 assorted mobile phones worth an estimated $35,000, were intercepted and offence management is underway.