Kwale: The security agencies in Kwale County have been directed to crackdown on smuggling syndicates operating in the coastal county along the common border with neighbouring countries. Area County Commissioner (CC), Stephen Orinde, has issued a stern warning to those smuggling sugar through the porous border points with neighboring Tanzania.
According to Kenya News Agency, CC Orinde stated that security agencies have implemented stringent measures to curb the smuggling of products, particularly sugar, from Tanzania into the coastal region. Orinde emphasized that these smuggling syndicates disrupt the local economy by undermining legitimate businesses and eroding public trust in regulatory systems. He further warned that police will intensify cross-border security operations, and those involved in the smuggling syndicates will face the full force of the law.
The senior administrator highlighted the financial impact of smuggling, noting that the illegal importation of sugar and other goods results in the loss of billions of shillings in taxes. He labeled those behind these activities as 'economic saboteurs.' "We are investigating some cross-border traders who do not want to pay taxes and are behind the smuggling rackets in Lunga Lunga Sub County," Orinde stated.
The crackdown order follows recent seizures of counterfeit, contraband, and smuggled goods, such as sugar, maize flour, rice, and edible oil, in the region by the Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA). As Chairman of the County Security and Intelligence Committee (CSIC), Orinde has promised swift action to combat smuggling by deploying a multi-agency border team to intercept smuggled goods. "We are committed to dismantling the black-market economy and apprehend all those involved in smuggling and illegal cross-border trade," said Orinde.
ACA coast regional coordinator Ibrahim Bulle expressed concern over the influx of counterfeit and contraband goods in local markets, attributing it to the porous border with Tanzania. He noted that recent reports indicate unscrupulous traders are importing large quantities of sugar through Kwale borders and selling it locally without paying taxes. Bulle warned that unchecked smuggling activities could result in significant revenue losses for the government and create unfair competition for legitimate businesses. Earlier this month, a multi-agency team seized counterfeit cooking oil from a depot in Mombasa, which was traced to Kwale County villages bordering Tanzania.