The Zambia Revenue Authority elite anti-smuggling squads working together with customs officers from Chirundu border have intercepted 3 trucks in different locations with alcohol believed to be meant for Christmas celebrations worth about 700 thousand kwacha in taxes.
ZRA Corporate Communications Manager Topsy Sikalinda says one of the trucks was intercepted in the Southern Province on the new bottom road off Siavonga District in the bush were it was found offloading into two canter trucks and two small buses.
Mr. Sikalinda tells Money FM News that the other two trucks were intercepted in Chirundu district after the border town with forged documents purporting to be carrying various furniture fittings.
“These are pure cases of forgery, false representation and attempted smuggling contrary to the customs and excise act Chapter 322 of the laws of Zambia. We want to make it very clear to the owners of these consignments that this is a straight seizure, and we shall recommend for forfeiture of both the goods & trucks to the state,” he warned.
He says the authority has since decentralized all the elite anti-smuggling teams in all major routes country as a permanent feature going forward.
Mr. Sikalinda says the officers are already on the ground in their permanent operational areas and we hope smuggling will now be brought to the lowest possible levels.
In another related development the authority has also intercepted 568 cases of smuggled Kiwi shoe polish worth about K342, 160 in value on the Nakonde route.
Mr. Sikalinda says these were concealed under floor tiles and they are believed to be counterfeit products.
“We have always said smuggling does no pay, these are the results. This year, going forward, the authority has resolved to ensure smugglers are prosecuted instead of being charged penalties. We want to appeal to the Zambians that if you know someone is evading or involved in smuggling, report them to the nearest ZRA office or call Centre on 5972,” said Mr. Sikalinda.
