Ethiopia Seizes Contraband Goods worth over 890 Million Birr in One Week

Mintesinot Niggusie

The Ministry of Revenues Ethiopia said authorities confiscated contraband goods with an estimated value exceeding 890 million birr during a week-long enforcement operation.

The seizures were carried out by the Ethiopian Customs Commission between April 13 and April 19, 2026, targeting both inbound and outbound illegal trade flows.

Officials said 872.2 million birr worth of imported contraband and 18 million birr worth of export-bound goods were intercepted, bringing the total estimated value to 890.2 million birr.

The confiscated items included textiles and clothing, electronics, agricultural products, vehicle spare parts, cosmetics, khat, narcotics, medicines, gold, minerals, fuel, live animals and foreign currency.

Enforcement activity was concentrated in key trade corridors, with Addis Ababa Airport, Awash and Jigjiga customs branches recording the largest seizures. Authorities said the three locations accounted for 450 million birr, 126 million birr and 108 million birr respectively.

The operation also led to the arrest of 43 suspects and the seizure of seven vehicles allegedly used in transporting the illicit goods.

The latest crackdown highlights continued efforts by Ethiopian authorities to curb contraband trade, which remains a persistent challenge for revenue collection, foreign exchange management and formal market development.