• The truck was allegedly destined for Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
• Upon further verification, the consignment was discovered to be destined for the Zambian market.
• ZRA officers intercepted three motor vehicles for illegal importations into the country from Mozambique.
Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) has disclosed that it has intercepted a truck laden with 26,140 kilograms of second hand clothes valued at K688, 343 allegedly destined for Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
ZRA Acting Corporate Communications Manager Oliver Nzala told Money FM News that upon further verification, the consignment was discovered to be destined for the Zambian market, a move he says could have led to loss of revenue amounting to over K350, 000.
Mr. Nzala said despite the tight security at the different borders, smugglers are employing new tactics to beat customs personnel at every checkpoint.
He disclosed that recently, smugglers in Petauke and Chipata districts, coming from Malawi and Mozambique almost succeeded in smuggling assorted items into the country.
“Acting on intelligence, ZRA officers intercepted three motor vehicles for illegal importations into the country from Mozambique. Further, the officers intercepted 160 boxes of spirituous beverages from two traders for suspected smuggling, with one of the traders admitting that the goods had no customs documents. The goods were smuggled into the country from Malawi.”
“Other interceptions in the province included the impounding of 27 by 20kgs of Sugar and 100 boxes of 20 by 200ml of London Dry Gin Spirits, all from Malawi. The goods were seized from a shop in Chipata after random inspections,” Mr. Nzala revealed.
He advised importers who have a truck to be sure of the driver they are recruiting and guide them on what do and keep monitoring them because if ZRA finds smuggled goods in the truck or any vessel used, they will be forfeited to government.
Meanwhile, Mr. Nzala said the Authority has employed a number of strategies to curb the smuggling, such as using intelligence networks, coordinating with other government agencies, and information sharing with key stakeholders, and enhancing the technical capacity of ZRA staff.
“The Authority is also intensifying tax education awareness, especially on the dangers of smuggling to the individual, the community, and the economy,” he said.
