Three traders have been sentenced by the Msambweni Law Courts after being found guilty of transporting smuggled Brazilian sugar.

Guni Ngalaa Ngui, Mwero Chindoro Choga and Mchanda Mahupa Dalu were arrested on July 28, 2025, at Lunga Township on the Jua Kali-Lunga Lunga Road in Kwale County while ferrying 14 bags of brown sugar branded Brazilian VHP, each weighing 50 kilogrammes. The consignment was being transported in a vehicle registration number KDS 836A.

Senior Resident Magistrate Onalo Olga sentenced Mchanda Mahupa, the owner of the goods, to six months in prison, while Ngalaa and Chindoro, the driver and loader respectively, each received one-year non-custodial sentences. The sugar and the vehicle used in the operation were forfeited to the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) for destruction.

According to KRA, the three failed to present valid importation documents at the time of their arrest. They were charged with being in possession of uncustomed goods, contrary to Section 200(d) (iii) of the East African Community Customs Management Act, 2004.

KRA said it has intensified surveillance across border points and major roads to curb smuggling and tax evasion.

The authority urged transporters to conduct due diligence to verify the nature and ownership of goods they convey, warning that those found aiding smuggling risked seizure of vehicles and prosecution.

The public has been encouraged to report tax evasion through the KRA iWhistle platform.

• A Tell Media / KNA report / By Chari Suche