The Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) has seized 70 cartons of smuggled Supermatch cigarettes and arrested one suspect following an intelligence-led operation in Pakwach District.
According to URA, the operation was launched after enforcement officers received a tip-off from a trusted informer about a suspected cigarette smuggler identified as Ntambala.
“Armed with a tip from a trusted informer, the Pakwach Enforcement Team quietly rolled out on a mission to intercept the elusive cigarette smuggler, Ntambala. For years, the man had treated law enforcement to a frustrating game of hide and seek, always managing to slip through the net,” URA said.
URA said enforcement officers intercepted a Toyota Hilux, registration number UBF 488G, suspected of transporting the illicit cigarettes. The driver allegedly attempted to flee, triggering a pursuit before abandoning the vehicle.
“Once the target vehicle, a Toyota Hilux registration number UBF 488G, was spotted, the chase was on. The Hilux sped through the darkness. However, the relentless pursuit forced the driver into a dramatic surrender by parking in the middle of the road,” URA said.
The authority said the vehicle’s three occupants fled on foot, but one suspect, identified as Ntambala, was arrested and taken to Pakwach Central Police Station.
“Unfortunately for the smugglers, legs proved no match for the determination of the enforcement team. Ntambala was caught and promptly escorted to Pakwach Central Police Station to answer charges related to smuggling,” URA said.
A search of the abandoned pickup recovered 70 cartons of Supermatch cigarettes.
“The abandoned Hilux was carrying 70 cartons of Supermatch cigarettes, neatly packed and ready for an illegal journey that never happened,” URA added.
The tax body said that during interrogation, the suspect disclosed the source of the contraband and agreed to cooperate with investigators in efforts to recover additional consignments linked to the suspected smuggling network.
The seizure is part of URA’s ongoing campaign to combat smuggling, protect legitimate trade, and safeguard government revenue.
