JUBA – South Sudan on Wednesday launched an investigation into 17 trucks intercepted on 11th January 2023 at Nimule and Nesitu with assorted items.
Speaking at a press conference held in Juba on Wednesday, Dr. Kuorwel Kuai Kuorwel, Chairperson of South Sudan National Bureau of Standards said assorted goods imported from Brazil, India, United Arab Emirates and Vietnam were smuggled into the country by four Juba-based suppliers.
“Inspection of the South Sudan National Bureau of Standards impounded seventeen trucks loaded with assorted goods at Nimule and Nesitu which were imported by four Juba-based suppliers from Brazil, India, United Arab Emirates and Vietnam,” Kuorwel told reporters.
He said the impounded assorted goods include biscuits, beer, sugar, cooking oil, tahnia, honey, dates, and coconut milk.
“This occurred during routine procedures which ensure that all goods entering the country are inspected at the border before being transported into the country.”
He said five laden with sugar were smuggled through the Nimule border to Juba without inspection and lab testing.
“As such, an investigation by the SSNBS inspectors revealed that out of 17 trucks, 5 trucks loaded with sugar were smuggled through Nimule border to Juba without inspections and laboratory analysis as required,” he said.
He said the consignments would undergo testing to ensure that they are fit for human consumption before they are released.
“One truck loaded with biscuits did not go through inspection processes and was successfully smuggled into Juba,” he said.
“The other eleven trucks had goods that were purchased and loaded without inspection and were issued certificates of conformity without safety and quality standard checks. All these consignments are still undergoing investigation,” he added.