The Anti-counterfeit Agency has seized five 40-foot containers with contraband goods at the Port of Mombasa.
The containers were found at different
CFSs by officers who
started trailing importers of the cargo for evading tax amounting to millions of shillings.
The contraband is said to have been imported on diverse dates from China.
The containers had items branded
Gucci, Adidas, LV, CASIO and London Distillers. There were also books and stationery such as Oxford geometrical sets.
All the containers will be inspected keenly to verify processes and their contents.
Some of the contraband
found in five 40-foot containers seized at the Port of Mombasa, December 7, 2017. /ELKANA JACOB
Some of the contraband
found in five 40-foot containers seized at the Port of Mombasa, December 7, 2017. /ELKANA JACOB
Some of the contraband
found in five 40-foot containers seized at the Port of Mombasa, December 7, 2017. /ELKANA JACOB
One of the officers, who sought anonymity, said the owners of the container freight stations were summoned and that they wrote statements.
"Unscrupulous merchants are taking advantage of the festive season to sneak in counterfeit goods from China to suffocate genuine business in the region," the source said.
Among what officers said was imported last week were
primary school text books, ingredients, reputable wines and toner.
Ibrahim Bulle, who is Chief Anti-counterfeit inspector for Mombasa,
said he was not aware of threats but noted the culprits will be arrested "no matter what".
“It doesn’t matter how powerful or connected one is. This is the law...we can’t risk our jobs because of thieves who evade taxes."
One of the contraband books found in five 40-foot containers seized at the Port of Mombasa, December 7, 2017. /ELKANA JACOB
Some of the toner found in five 40-foot containers seized at the Port of Mombasa, December 7, 2017. /ELKANA JACOB
Some of the contraband
found in five 40-foot containers seized at the Port of Mombasa, December 7, 2017. /ELKANA JACOB
Bulle added that even President Uhuru Kenyatta was clear on the war on graft when he addressed the nation at the Port during the commissioning of the second container terminal.
“We are under instructions...we can’t risk our job because of a few individuals...that can’t happen."
The official said a major crackdown was underway.
"We will extend it to major shops where we believe the sale has been ongoing," Bulle said, and warned traders against importing, buying or selling counterfeit goods.
In September, top KRA officials were on the spot once again over a tax evasion syndicate at the Port. The authority
has taken part in operations against illegal business and has pledged to continually fight corruption.
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