Within one week, the Ethiopian Customs Commission confiscated contraband goods worth 170 millions Birr from illegal traders.
The goods are seized at various branch offices from November 18 – 24, 2022, according to the information from the Commission. The contraband items included fuel, live animals (clothes, fuel, electronics, coffee), medicines, vehicles and cosmetics.
The top three Customs Branch Offices in Ethiopia for smuggling goods into Ethiopia are Moyale and Dredwa. These three customs branches seized goods worth 36.8 million Birr (24.5 million Birr) and 15.5 Million Birr (15.5 million Birr).
It is believed that the contraband goods were captured by the Customs Commission staff and state police officers, as well as the public through tip-offs, searches, and tippings. 31 people were arrested and 18 vehicles were taken into custody.
The Commission urges the society to play their part as the activities of the customs commission alone are not enough to prevent the activities of smuggling and illegal trade and prevent the negative impact it has on the country’s economy.
Source: newbusinessethiopia
