The Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) has seized 398 drums of cooking oil in a crackdown on illegal trade in the Coast Region, reinforcing ongoing efforts to protect government revenue and ensure fair market practices.
The operation, carried out in the early hours of April 24, 2026, targeted suspected smuggling routes in Mlingotini area, Bagamoyo District.
According to TRA, the consignment had already been loaded onto a Fuso truck when officers from the anti-smuggling unit intercepted it during routine patrols.
Authorities said the truck and its cargo are now in the custody of TRA’s Customs Department, with investigations underway and legal action being pursued against those involved.
The seizure highlights continued enforcement pressure by TRA on illicit trade networks, which authorities say undermine compliant businesses and deprive the government of critical tax revenues.
TRA has urged traders to conduct their businesses within the law, warning that smuggling not only carries legal consequences but also distorts competition in the domestic market.
