Customs officers at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) arrested six women accused of smuggling over Ksh103 million on Thursday, October 6. 

The six women of Somali descent were reportedly travelling from India with the money stashed in their luggage in the form of US dollars. 

Customs officers from the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) detected the presence of the money after scanning their luggage. The cash, according to the statement from the authority, was hidden in shoes and clothes. 

"Customs officers based at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) have intercepted Kshs102 million in foreign currency from six female travellers. The suspects had arrived in the country from India," a statement issued by investigative agencies read. 

Fake gold bars seized at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) TWITTER

Travellers were urged to observe the set routines for the declaration of items upon departure and arrival at the various entry points. "Passengers should correctly declare all cargo and items at the ports of entry and exit as required under the provisions of the Second and Third Schedules of the EAC Customs Management Act, 2004," the statement read.

Customs rules stipulate that travellers should declare, among other items, money exceeding Ksh1 million.

Gifts brought home for relatives, items meant for resale in the country and liquors exceeding one litre or wine exceeding two litres should also be disclosed. In addition, passengers must declare perfumes and toiletries exceeding one litre. 

The law further states that all passengers must allow customs officers to scan their luggage. Giving false information to the officials is considered an offence. 

 “It is an offence under the East African Community Customs Management Act 2004 to give false information to a customs officer, and it is punishable under Section 203 of the said Act, including forfeiture of the subject goods and other relevant laws," investigative agencies state. 

Passengers are further required to pay customs duty for any goods brought into the country at the point of entry. 

However, some categories of goods and passengers are exempted, including those that are meant for goods for personal and household use, as well as used goods. 

The duty is paid to customs officers stationed at the airports or seaports. 

An undated image of Times Tower which houses Kenya Revenue Authority offices. By Robinson Ndungu, Kenyans.co.ke