• This follows an operation conducted on suspected illegal fuel vending sites in and around Lusaka.
• These include 17 drums and 80 twenty-litre containers from Lusaka and 46 twenty-litre containers from Shimabala and Kafue.
• The Task Force on Illegal Fuel Vending will remain resolute and committed to eradicating illegal fuel vending in the country.

Task Force on Illegal Fuel Vending has seized about 6,090 litres of fuel worth over K188, 000 and a total sum of K25, 825 in cash, across Lusaka.

The team comprising law enforcement agencies and security wings, facilitated by Energy Regulation Board (ERB) and led by Drug Enforcement Commission, has also arrested 13 people for offences related to illegal fuel dealings.

Representing the team, DEC Public Relations Officer Mwenge Mulenga said in a statement that this follows an operation conducted on suspected illegal fuel vending sites in and around Lusaka.

“These include 17 drums and 80 twenty-litre containers from Lusaka and 46 twenty-litre containers from Shimabala, Kafue, Turnpike and Nasenga areas.”

“Other items seized included four pumps, a total sum of K25,825 in cash, two bicycles, three Cell phones, 06 X 1000L empty plastic pellet containers, 53 X 210L empty metallic and plastic drums and several assorted empty plastic 20L containers,” Mr. Mulenga stated.

Mr. Mulenga warned people engaging in illegal fuel vending to desist from the vice or face the long arm of the law.

“The Task Force on Illegal Fuel Vending will remain resolute and committed to eradicating illegal fuel vending in the country as Illegal fuel vending undermines national revenue through tax evasion, jeopardizes engine performance on the vehicles of those that use it due to the uncertain quality of fuel, and poses significant public safety risks due to improper storage, potentially leading to fires and loss of life and property.”

“The Task Force has pledged continued partnership with the members of the public who consistently report suspected illegal fuel vending activities,” he added.

He further said all the 13 suspects are in police custody awaiting formal charges.