A multinational intelligence operation led to the interception of a container at the Port of Mombasa loaded with contraband cigarettes worth Sh200 million, concealed as tampons in a bid to evade taxes.
According to the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), the 40-foot container, which arrived from Thailand, was declared to contain 1,100 cartons of sanitary tampons. However, upon inspection, officers discovered 954 cartons of cigarettes labelled Supermatch marked ‘For Export’ and ‘Made in Uganda’.
According to KRA, the smugglers would have evaded payment of Sh76.2 million in taxes had the consignment found its way into the local market.
Speaking during a verification exercise by officials from different units, including the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and Interpol at the port on Monday, KRA Deputy Commissioner for Border Control and Enforcement, Mr Chege Macharia, said the container was flagged for a detailed inspection after a risk assessment revealed inconsistencies in its documentation.
“Upon arrival, our intelligence team picked up red flags on the shipment. A 100 per cent verification was ordered, and we confirmed that only 146 cartons contained sanitary towels while the rest were cigarettes concealed behind them,” Mr Macharia said.
Centre, in a blue long-sleeved shirt, Deputy Commissioner for Border Control and Enforcement, Chege Macharia, with other port officials, addresses the media on Monday, November 10, 2025, at the port compound.
Photo credit: Pool
He said the interception was part of ongoing intelligence-led operations aimed at curbing smuggling and protecting the country from revenue losses.
Mr Macharia added that the interception demonstrates the success of growing international cooperation between enforcement agencies across borders, who are now sharing intelligence to identify and stop high-risk consignments before they reach the market.
“This operation shows the true value of coordination and information sharing between countries. Such collaboration is essential in disrupting the flow of smuggled goods, especially cigarettes,” he said.
The deputy commissioner warned that cigarette smuggling not only undermines government revenue collection but also poses significant public health risks, as most contraband products do not meet national health standards.
Officers inspect a consignment containing 954 cartons of cigarettes concealed in a 40-foot container to evade taxes.
Photo credit: Pool
He said KRA has tightened surveillance measures at all entry points, with every containerised cargo subjected to scanning as part of the Authority’s risk management strategy.
“We are also in the process of integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) into our scanning operations. AI will enable instant image analysis and generate reports within seconds, making our detection process faster and more accurate,” he added.
Mr Macharia urged all government agencies stationed at the port to continue working together to ensure the integrity of the national supply chain is maintained.
“The fight against smuggling requires unity and vigilance. Collaboration among agencies is key to sealing loopholes and protecting legitimate trade,” he said.
