Over 4,000 bombas of Oris Slim Double Apple Premium Cigarettes were seized by the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) during a Valentine’s Day operation that disrupted a major smuggling ring.
The 4,247 bombas of Oris Slim Double Apple Premium Cigarettes, imported from Germany, were discovered hidden in a Toyota Noah traveling from Hoima to Kampala.
The vehicle, operated by a smuggler, had been using two number plates – UAM 886W and UAL 235 R – in an attempt to evade detection by anti-smuggling units.
The URA enforcement team, acting on a tip-off, intercepted the vehicle in Kakiri and conducted a thorough verification exercise.
The cigarettes, were seized and are set to be destroyed to prevent illegal distribution across the Ugandan market.
Furthermore, the vehicle used in the operation was forfeited to the state as part of the crackdown on illicit trade.
In a statement on X, the URA emphasized its ongoing efforts to protect legitimate businesses.
"URA remains unwaveringly committed to the protection of legitimate manufacturers and importers of tobacco products from the proliferation of illicit products on the Ugandan market."
The authority also urged the public to only buy cigarettes bearing the Digital Tax Stamp to ensure they are purchasing legal products.
