By Ruth Masita
A Tanzanian National has been sentenced to pay a fine of Kshs 258,000 with an alternative of 1 year imprisonment for smuggling unaccustomed goods in Kenya, imported from Tanzania.
The Court has also ordered the goods to be forfeited to the Commissioner of Customs and Border Control.
Nganzi Mohamed Abdalla, who was the driver of the mini-bus vehicle used to transport the goods, including purified water, Energy drinks and juice products, was arraigned before Mombasa Chief Magistrate Hon. Alex Ithuku charged with conveying uncustomed goods and pleaded guilty.
Three other Tanzanian nationals KhalifaAbdallaSeif, Issa Ismail Issah and NasoroAbdallaSeif, who were jointly charged in connection to the same goodswere fined Kshs 12,282.50, after pleading guilty to a charge of being in possession of the uncustomed goods.
Meanwhile, Kenya Revenue Authority successfully applied for the forfeiture of the goods to the Commissioner for Customs and Border Control. An application by the Authority for forfeiture of the mini-bus is awaiting determination by the Court.
The Chief magistrate has summoned the owner of the vehicle to appear before the court on 13th March, 2025 to show why the vehicle should not be forfeited to the Commissioner for Customs and Border Control.
According to Kenya Revenue Authority, the four convicted persons were found in possession of the goods on 11th January 2025, at Simba Coach stage in MwembeTayari area within Mombasa County.
The excisable goods were not affixed with valid excise duty stamps on being intercepted..
