(JUBA) – The South Sudan Revenue Authority has announced a significant seizure of smuggled goods that entered the country from Uganda, in what the tax and customs body said were renewed efforts to protect national revenue and strengthen compliance across border entry points.
The Anti Smuggling Unit intercepted two trucks on 17 November 2025 as they crossed into South Sudan through the Fogei border point. Officers became suspicious after reviewing the declared cargo and decided that the vehicles should be escorted to Juba for full inspection.
Deputy Commissioner for Compliance and Enforcement, Col Joseph Wani Loku, said a detailed review of the shipments in Juba revealed that both trucks were carrying undeclared goods concealed beneath legitimate items. He said officers found large quantities of Shisha, or raw tobacco, which had not been declared at the point of entry.
Col Loku said one truck contained about 820 cartons of Shisha, while the other carried an estimated 1,200 cartons, bringing the total to 2,000 cartons. The trader is reported to have declared the shipment as maize flour, but further checks showed the cargo had been mixed with Shisha, maize flour, and mattresses in an attempt to disguise the illicit products.
He said these operations are essential for protecting national revenue and addressing public health risks linked to unregulated Shisha products. He added that the investigations into individuals involved in the incident are continuing.
Assistant Commissioner of the Anti Smuggling Unit, Mboriman Edward Mbory, praised his team for the operation, saying the seizure was made possible through strong coordination and ground level checks. He said a thorough inspection after offloading the cargo confirmed the suspicions of the officers and proved that the goods were not solely maize flour as declared.
Mbory said the Anti Smuggling Unit is strengthening its presence across the country and will continue to carry out operations aimed at reducing smuggling. He said traders must declare their goods properly at border points to avoid interception inside the country, adding that the unit remains active and alert.
In a statement released by the tax body, SSRA stated the seizure reflects ongoing challenges faced by the Revenue Authority in preventing illegal trade and protecting government income. The SSRA maintained that regular inspections and strong enforcement remain central to its mandate as South Sudan works to improve its trade systems and revenue collection.
Smuggling Attempt From Uganda Blocked at Fogei Border Entry Point
| Details | |
|---|---|
| Date of Seizure | 17 November 2025 |
| Entry Point | Fogei border, Uganda to South Sudan |
| Goods Seized | 2,000 cartons of undeclared Shisha |
| Declared Goods | Maize flour |
| SSRA Officials Involved | Col Joseph Wani Loku, Mboriman Edward Mbory |
| Main Concern | Loss of revenue and public health risks |
| Status of Goods | Held in custody pending investigation |
