The Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) has seized 6 trucks for various offences that are related to smuggling of goods worth about K5 million.
Addressing the media in Chirundu District, Authority Corporate and Communications Manager Topsy Sikalinda said other seized trucks have been related to issues of presenting forged documents.
Mr Sikalinda however added that the case with most of the trucks is to do with the abuse of the Public Benefit Organization (PBO) policy that allows churches, schools and hospitals to be exempted from paying taxes.
He noted that recently, the organization started conducting an audit on PBO on organizations that it felt were abusing the tax incentives in the policy.
Mr. Sikalinda said that out of the six impounded trucks, 3 are in Lusaka, Two in Chirundu and one is in Nakonde District.
“Six trucks are in our custody, two are in Chirundu carrying cooking oil, and we also have another one in Nakonde carrying second had clothing, we also have three in Lusaka carrying used clothing while one is carrying electronics,” he explained.
“The trucks are carrying goods worth over K5 million and they have been sized in accordance with the law.”
And Authority customs officers in Chirundu have destroyed various smuggled items worth over K1 million.
Mr Sikalinda said that this is in an effort to clamp down on all illegal harmful products coming into the country.
He said the items destroyed include various alcoholic brands, cigarettes, clear bulbs, cooking oil, Mealie meal, sanitary pads and herbal medicines.
He added that the products have been destroyed owing to the fact that they are not fit for human consumption because they are either expired or counterfeit goods which cannot be allowed on the Zambian Market.
Mr Sikalinda noted that this is being done in accordance with provisions of Customs and Excise Act Cap 322 of the Laws of Zambia.
He has since warned smugglers that the Authority is aware of what is happening on the ground and will continue to seize the smuggled goods and persecute the smugglers.
“These goods have to be destroyed in order to protect human life and the economy, the authority is aware of what is happening on the ground and we wish to send a very strong message to smugglers that ZRA has resolved to stop charging penalties for all smuggling cases,” Mr Sikalinda said.
“We shall seize the vessels and the goods and also persecute all people involved.”
Meanwhile, the Authority has donated smuggled cooking oil fit for consumption to three charitable organizations in Chirundu District.
Sikalinda named the beneficiary organizations as Mtendere Mission Hospital, Munziwamoyo orphanage and the Ministry of Community Development and Social Welfare.
He said the donated cooking oil is worth K250, 000 and is 300, 000 liters.
He added that the donation of seized goods which were forfeited to the state is a way to deter smuggling of goods into the country.
And receiving the donation on behalf of the charitable organizations, representative from Mtendere Mission Hospital Sister Chevuril says the cooking oil will go a long way in helping the three organizations.