The Customs Commission seized 266 million Br worth of smuggled goods across various branch offices last week, with 247.2 million Br from imported goods and 18.8 million Br from attempted exports. According to the Commission, the seized items included clothing, electronics, coffee, cereals, vehicle spare parts, cosmetics, khat, narcotics, medicine, minerals, edible oil, live animals, and foreign currencies. Branch offices in Jigjiga, Moyale, and Dire Dawa led the efforts, confiscating contraband valued at 90 million, 50 million, and 40 million Br, respectively. The seizures were made through coordinated operations involving Customs personnel, the Federal and Regional Police, and community members. Authorities also arrested 17 suspects and impounded 10 vehicles used in transporting the goods. The Commission noted that despite these efforts, smuggling remains a challenge due to its shifting tactics and continued threat to the national economy. Separately, the Awash Customs Office intercepted 120,000 dollars being transported illegally in a tanker truck originating from Meqelle during a recent inspection.

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