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A truck driver arrested for allegedly smuggling 142 tins of powdered milk valued at Sh179,869 into the country has been convicted and fined at the Malindi Law Courts.

The accused Sheikh Mohamed Ali admitted to commission of the offence of conveying restricted goods (contrary to section 199 (b) (iii) of the East African Community Customs Management Act (EACCMA) 2004) while appearing before Resident Magistrate Irene Thamara.

He was nabbed by Special Operations Group manning the Sabaki road block checkpoint along Malindi-Garissa Road on August 8. A search established that trailer registration no. KBW 635Q/ZD 4285 which he was driving bore a modified compartment beneath it where 60 tins of Achor fortified whole milk powder and 82 tins of Hilwa milk powder were hidden.

The vehicle had however been disguised as conveying 40 herds of cattle. The court ordered the release of the goods to the accused person.

Aggrieved by the Court’s decision Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) filed a Revision application before Malindi High Court seeking forfeiture of the goods as they are restricted under EACCMA.

KRA Commissioner of Investigations and Enforcement David Yego said deployment of robust investigations and intelligence techniques has led to successful interceptions across the country.