NAIROBI, Aug.30 (Xinhua) -- Kenyan authorities on Friday destroyed illicit excisable products worth 1.5 billion shillings (15 million U.S. dollars).

The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) destroyed the products, which were seized from various traders in Nairobi and its environs and were being sold in contravention of various regulations that could have led to a loss of over 4 million U.S. dollars in tax revenues.

"Today's destruction exercise marks a significant milestone in the fight against illicit trade and contraband goods in the country. It underscores the government's determination and keenness to annihilate the vices of illicit trade and contraband goods," Elizabeth Meyo, KRA commissioner for domestic taxes said in a statement.

Meyo said illicit trade and contraband goods are detrimental to the economic muscle of any country as they lead to massive loss of government revenue through tax evasion, noting that domestic revenue collections play a critical role in sustaining economic development.

The destroyed products include 25,070 bottles of beer, 102,004 bottles of wine spirits and 104,786 bottles of juice.

"The two vices not only pose unfair competition to legally trading products in the market, but also pose potential health hazards to unsuspecting consumers," Meyo said.

She said KRA will continues to implement key strategic measures geared towards combating illicit trade and contraband goods in the excisable goods sector, to not only protect genuine traders and consumers but also seal revenue loopholes poked by unscrupulous traders. Enditem

Related

Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)