Ethiopian Customs Commission seized worth 170 million Birr contraband goods within one weeks from illegal traders.
The goods are seized at various branch offices from November 18 – 24, 2022, according to the information from the Commission. Among the contraband items seized are clothes, fuel, live animals, electronics, coffee, medicines, vehicles, cosmetics, weapons, khat, narcotics, cooking oil and various national currencies.
Moyale, Dredwa and Kombolcha Customs Branch Offices are the top in capturing smuggled goods into Ethiopia. The three customs branches respectively seized worth 36.8 million Birr, 24.5 million Birr and 15.5 million Birr.
It is stated that the contraband goods were caught by the joint efforts of the Customs Commission staff, federal police, state police members and the public through searches, and tip-offs. As a result 31 individuals and 18 vehicles were arrested.
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.