This is for the second time for Ethiopian custom authorities to capture illegal foreign currency in South Eastern part of the country
borkena
August 19, 2019
Ethiopian Custom Commission seized over 14 million Ethiopian birr worth of gold and foreign currency, reported state-affiliated Fana Broadcasting Corporation (FBC) on Monday.
A man, not identified by name, driving Yaris Toyota with a plate number Code 2 – A08104 AA was reportedly captured carrying 8.7 kilograms of gold, over €41,000 and 600 Saudi riyals, according to Debelle Kabeta, who is custom commissioner, as reported by FBC.
The report added that the suspect was captured in Bombas area near Jijiga in the southeastern part of Ethiopia.
“In recent times, an effort has been made to control the widespread flow of contraband trade, and participation of the community is making a huge difference,” Debele is cited as saying.
He expressed his appreciation to the customs staff working the checkpoints, to those in the security apparatus and community members in the area.
Seizure of illegally circulating foreign currency and contraband goods is making headlines in government and affiliated media outlets.
Last week, foreign currency (US dollar and Saudi riyals) estimated to be 2.7 million Ethiopian birr, based on last week’s rate of exchange, was seized at the Togochale checkpoint in south-eastern Ethiopia, according to the ministry of revenue.
The individual who was caught with the cash was trying to smuggle it using a yellow jerrican as shown in the image above.
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