By Mulengera Reporters
Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) enforcement officers intercepted a Toyota Hilux carrying 70 cartons of smuggled Supermatch cigarettes following a late-night pursuit in Pakwach, according to the authority.
In a post published on its X account on July 23, 2026, URA said its Pakwach Enforcement Team acted on intelligence from an informer and mounted an operation targeting a suspected cigarette smuggler identified as Ntambala.
The operation turned into a high-speed chase after officers spotted a Toyota Hilux, registration UBF 488G, which they suspected was involved in the smuggling operation.
According to URA, the vehicle sped away after it was intercepted by the enforcement team. The pursuit continued until the driver stopped the Hilux in the middle of the road, prompting all three occupants to abandon the vehicle and flee on foot.
Officers managed to apprehend Ntambala and took him to Pakwach Central Police Station to face charges related to smuggling.
A search of the abandoned vehicle reportedly uncovered 70 cartons of Supermatch cigarettes, which URA said were being transported for an illegal market.
During questioning, the suspect allegedly provided investigators with information about the source of the contraband and pledged to assist in efforts to recover other consignments.
URA said the interception followed a tip from a trusted informer and described the operation as a success for its Pakwach enforcement team.
The latest seizure highlights the continued efforts by revenue authorities to curb the illegal movement of tobacco products and other contraband across Uganda’s borders and within the country.
