Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) customs officers have intercepted 40 undeclared iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max smartphones valued at approximately KSh8.2 million at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).
The phones were seized after customs officers flagged a passenger who had arrived in Kenya from Dubai during routine checks at the airport.
According to KRA, the passenger had entered Kenya four times within nine days, raising suspicion and prompting officers to conduct further checks on his luggage.
During questioning, the passenger reportedly admitted that he was transporting the phones on behalf of a client based in Dubai.
“KRA Customs officers at JKIA intercepted 40 undeclared iPhone 18 Pro/Pro Max phones worth Ksh.8.2 million at JKIA. A passenger from Dubai, who had entered Kenya 4 times in 9 days, admitted he was a courier for a Dubai client,” KRA said in a statement.
The tax authority warned travellers against carrying goods on behalf of third parties without first establishing their nature, ownership and customs status.
“KRA warns travellers against carrying undeclared goods for third parties,” the authority said.
The interception is part of ongoing efforts by KRA to curb the smuggling and illegal importation of high-value goods through Kenya’s entry points.
The authority has continued to urge travellers to declare goods subject to customs requirements to avoid possible seizure, penalties or other legal consequences.
