Zambia Revenue Authority has intercepted 10 trucks laden with Copper ores worth K1.2 million in taxes smuggled from the Democratic Republic of Congo through the newly gazetted Lonshi Border Post.

Authority Corporate and Communications Manager Topsy Sikalinda tells Money FM News that the smugglers presented fake customs documents to the authorities and after verification, alert  Zambia Revenue Authority  officers with other security wings moved in to intercept the trucks that were already hidden in the bush.

Mr Sikalinda said the Authority is losing over K100 million per month due to a drastic reduction in the importation of Copper ores by known importers because smugglers are now supplying them with the commodity.

“During the interception, the officers were threatened with guns but since the operation was jointly conducted with other security wings, all the 10 trucks were intercepted and have been issued with seizure notices” He said.

He explained that the Authority collects 5 percent customs import duty on Copper ores and 16 percent Value Added Tax.
“The Authority will ensure that all smugglers are brought to book and in this regard, security has already been intensified at Lonshi Border Post” Mr Sikalinda said.
He further said smuggling is a serious offence under the Customs and Excise Act Cap 322 of the Laws of Zambia.