Truck Driver Convicted for Smuggling Milk Powder Under Trailer in Malindi

A truck driver, Sheikh Mohamed Ali, has been convicted and fined by the Malindi Law Courts after admitting to smuggling 142 tins of powdered milk valued at KSh 179,869 into Kenya. Ali was charged with conveying restricted goods, an offense under section 199(b)(iii) of the East African Community Customs Management Act (EACCMA) 2004.

Ali was arrested on August 8, 2024, at the Sabaki roadblock checkpoint along the Malindi-Garissa road by the Special Operations Group. Upon inspection, authorities discovered a hidden compartment beneath his trailer, registration number KBW 635Q/ZD 4285, containing 60 tins of Achor fortified whole milk powder and 82 tins of Hilwa milk powder. The truck had been disguised as transporting 40 cattle.

On September 12, 2024, Ali appeared before Resident Magistrate Irene Thamara and admitted to the charges. However, the court’s decision to release the smuggled goods back to the accused prompted the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) to file a revision application at the Malindi High Court. KRA seeks to have the goods forfeited as they are restricted under the EACCMA.

KRA, in collaboration with other government agencies, continues to intensify efforts to combat illicit trade and transnational crimes through advanced investigation and intelligence techniques to protect the country’s integrity.