Editor's Review

KRA revealed that the suspect allegedly attempted to smuggle refurbished phones into the country without paying customs duty.

On Saturday, October 17,  the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) intercepted 52 refurbished assorted mobile phones and three drones at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).

KRA revealed that the suspect, a female traveller, allegedly tried to smuggle the refurbished phones into the country without paying tax.

She approached a cleaner working at JKIA and asked for help to get the bags past customs officials, who were screening passenger luggage.

When accosted by customs officers, the cleaner attempted to flee, but was nabbed and subsequently questioned to establish the owner of the bags.

The officers then subjected the consignment to baggage-scanning technology to detect goods suspected of being smuggled into the country.

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File image of the international arrivals terminal at JKIA.

"Customs officers noticed an airport employee, specifically a cleaner, carrying two black backpacks as she exited the terminal. Upon being noticed by the officers, the worker attempted to flee but was intercepted for further questioning.

"The officers subsequently subjected the backpacks to screening using a CT baggage scanner, which revealed the presence of drones and assorted mobile phones," the statement read.

Upon interrogation, the female passenger confirmed that she had handed the two backpacks to the airport worker while using the restrooms.

The customs officers also recovered two DJI Mini 3 Pro drones, two controllers and two batteries, as well as one DJI Air 25 drone, its controller, battery and accessories.

Other items included mobile phone chargers, travel adapters, USB cables, screen protectors and personal effects. The intercepted goods were secured and deposited at the Customs warehouse pending further action.

 KRA warned that the importation of drones into Kenya is restricted and requires the relevant authorisation from the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA).

"Travellers and importers are therefore required to establish and comply with the applicable regulatory requirements before bringing drones into the country," KRA explained.

The Authority reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding government revenue, protecting the integrity of Kenya's borders and facilitating compliant passenger movement through the strategic deployment of technology, intelligence and effective enforcement measures.

The bust came barely weeks after KRA seized electronic goods estimated to be worth Ksh13 million during an intelligence-led operation at a residential apartment in Kileleshwa, Nairobi.

According to KRA, the operation led to the recovery of 529 electronic items, including laptops, iPads and various accessories.