URA Seizes 325 High-End Phones at Entebbe Airport worth Shs272m

Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) Customs has intercepted 325 high-end phones at Entebbe International Airport in an operation codenamed “Operation Holy Grail”.

In the women’s month, the Entebbe Airport Customs team focused on combatting the illicit importation of phones from various destinations worldwide by travellers.

“Nothing could have prepared them for the tactical prowess displayed by the smugglers. We shall only focus on the performances by some mules that would make for an ‘Oscar entry’ here,” said the tax body in a statement on X.

According to the customs team, the suspect was a “man with a peculiar fashion accessory. A cosset”.

The team was curious and a quick check revealed that this was not simply a fashion choice but a careful ploy to smuggle phones.

The team recovered from him 36 pieces of the latest models that Apple and Samsung have to offer.

“Another man came to the airport with calf muscles that ‘stood out’ so much that even the most accomplished Mr Olympia’s face would turn red with envy,” said URA.

“The officer’s attention was drawn. From the smuggler’s ‘super ntumbwe’ (the posterior portion of the lower leg) came 39 pieces of assorted mobile phones.”

According to URA, Other mules hid phones within Play Station consoles, automotive spare parts, garments and computer accessories.

By the time Operation Holy Grail wound up, 325 assorted smartphones worth an estimated USD 70,000 (approximately Shs272m) had been recovered.

“Offence management is underway. We beseech travellers to always beware of people who offer them a few dollars to help them get through customs at the airport. When a mule is nabbed, the beneficial owner is typically nowhere to be seen.”