Truck driver charged with smuggling mahogany worth Ksh.1.4million

A truck driver has been charged with being in possession of smuggled mahogany timber worth Ksh. 1.4 million.

Customs and Border Control officers arrested the accused person on the Malaba-Busia highway on November 26, 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 Ksh. 50,000 cash bail or Kshs 100,000 bond.

Busia senior principal magistrate Patrick Olengo directed that the case be mentioned on December 21.

The hearing has been set for April 15, 2021.

The Kenya Revenue Authority (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.