A truck driver arrested for allegedly smuggling 142 tins of powdered milk worth Ksh 179,869 into the country has been convicted and fined by the Malindi Law Courts. Sheikh Mohamed Ali, the accused, pleaded guilty in September 2024 to the offence of transporting restricted goods in violation of Section 199(b)(iii) of the East African Community Customs Management Act (EACCMA) 2004, when he appeared before Resident Magistrate Irene Thamara.
He was apprehended on August 8, 2024, by the Special Operations Group at the Sabaki roadblock checkpoint along the Malindi-Garissa road. A search revealed that the trailer he was driving, registration no. KBW 635Q/ZD 4285, had a concealed compartment underneath where 60 tins of Achor fortified whole milk powder and 82 tins of Hilwa milk powder were hidden. The vehicle was disguised as transporting 40 cattle.
The court ordered the release of the seized goods back to the accused. However, the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), dissatisfied with the court’s ruling, filed a revision application before the Malindi High Court seeking the forfeiture of the goods, citing their restricted status under EACCMA.
David Yego, Commissioner of Investigations and Enforcement at KRA, highlighted the effectiveness of enhanced investigations and intelligence techniques in intercepting illicit goods across the country. “KRA is collaborating closely with other government agencies to combat illicit trade and transnational crimes, ensuring the protection of the country’s integrity,” said Yego.
