BUSIA, Kenya, Dec 17 -A truck driver has been charged before Busia senior principal magistrate Patrick Olengo with being in possession of smuggled mahogany timber worth Sh1.4 million.
Customs and Border Control officers arrested the accused person along Malaba-Busia highway on 26th November 2020 alongside others who did not appear before court.
Upon attestation, the officers found 29.6 cubic meters of uncustomed mahogany timber in his possession contrary to sections 200 (iii) (d),210 and 211 of the East African Community Customs Management Act (EACCMA) 2004. It is believed that the uncustomed goods originated from the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The accused pleaded not guilty to the offence and was released on Sh50,000 cash bail or Sh100,000 bond. The case will be mentioned on 21st December while the hearing is set for 15th April 2021.
“KRA has taken up arms in the fight against illegal trade. In partnership with other Government agencies the Authority has put in place structures aimed at beefing up surveillance along border points to help curb illicit trade,” a statement from the office of KRA’s Regional Cordinator for Western Region said.
