Cargo scan loophole aids ivory smugglers

A loophole in cargo-scanning at the port of Mombasa is most likely used by smugglers to export ivory and other types of contraband.

The Kenya Revenue Authority scans all export containers to ensure the contents tally with the declarations on documents, but exempts tea exports from the process, the Nation has established.

On April 25, 511 pieces of ivory, weighing more than three tonnes, were impounded in Bangkok, Thailand, in a container marked “tea leaves” that originated from Mombasa, and was destined for Laos.

Earlier, on April 20, another four tonnes of ivory was seized at Bangkok’s main port in a container that arrived from the Democratic Republic of Congo and was also destined for Laos.

Once in Laos, authorities believe the ivory would likely be sold on to buyers from China, Vietnam or back into Thailand, countries where ivory ornaments are coveted.

The Nation has established that KRA entered into an agreement with the East African Tea Trade Association (Eatta), about five years ago, in which tea containers are exempt from the process.

Eatta Managing Director Edward Mudibo said the agreement with KRA was to ensure efficiency in exports and to avoid delay.

“Tea is the largest export product, comprising over 20 per cent and it was agreed that for fast clearance, there is always a customs officer when tea is being loaded.

“It is regrettable that illegal goods were exported in the name of tea and we would like the matter thoroughly investigated because it has dented the image of the industry,” he said.

This is the first time illegal goods were discovered being shipped disguised as tea and if indeed the ivory was loaded in Mombasa, the smugglers must have taken advantage of the fact that the cargo would not be subjected to scanning.