KRA Seizes iPhone 18 Phones Worth KSh 8.2M at JKIA From Dubai Passenger

Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) Customs officers at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) intercepted 40 iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max phones worth about Sh8.2 million. The phones were discovered after officers screened a passenger who arrived from Dubai and allegedly carried the devices without declaring them.

KRA said the passenger had entered Kenya four times within nine days before the most recent arrival, a pattern that raised suspicion about repeated travel between Dubai and Kenya.

During questioning, the passenger reportedly admitted that he acted as a courier for a client in Dubai and that he carried the phones on the client’s behalf.

KRA said officers intercepted the phones at Terminal 1A International Arrivals after they used baggage scanners to screen the passenger’s luggage.

The Authority added that the phones, including iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max models, had been hidden among assorted items and distributed across three small suitcases and a backpack.

“The devices had not been declared to Customs and were detected during routine baggage screening. Following the scan, customs officers conducted further checks and recovered the smartphones concealed within the passenger’s luggage,” the authority said.

During interrogation, the passenger first told KRA officers that he was travelling through Kenya by road to a neighbouring country. However, KRA said a review of his passport and travel records showed he had repeatedly made short trips between Kenya and Dubai.

In September 2026, the passenger entered Kenya on September 15 and left on September 17. He returned on September 19 and exited on September 20 before entering again on September 21 and leaving on September 22. KRA added that he later entered Kenya again on September 23.

The repeated entries and exits, along with the brief periods spent in the country, prompted Customs officers to continue questioning the passenger.

KRA said it later established that the passenger was acting as a courier for a client based in Dubai and that the smartphones were destined for Kenya.

The 40 intercepted smartphones, estimated to be worth Sh8.2 million, have been taken to the Customs Warehouse as KRA awaits the required clearance and verification processes.

KRA said the seizure highlights how technology and vigilant Customs officers help strengthen border controls and uncover attempts to bring undeclared goods into the country. The Authority noted that CT baggage scanners help officers detect concealed items in luggage. It added that risk-based screening, analysis of travel patterns, and targeted interviews provide further layers of checks.

KRA said it continues to enhance border enforcement through modern inspection technology, intelligence-led operations, and increased officer capacity.

It said the measures support legitimate travel and trade while ensuring travellers follow Customs rules and protect government revenue. Under Kenya’s Customs requirements, travellers must observe Customs laws and procedures and declare any goods they carry in their luggage.

KRA cautioned travellers against carrying undeclared goods on behalf of third parties. It urged members of the public to ensure that any items under Customs control are properly declared and cleared in accordance with the law.

The Authority said it will continue using technology, data, and intelligence-led approaches to detect and prevent attempts to bypass Customs controls while also facilitating the lawful movement of people and goods through Kenya’s borders.

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