The Zambia Revenue Authority has seized suspected base metals with traces of gold, palladium, nickel, manganese and precious stones weighing about 1.5 kilograms among other at Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe International Airport in Ndola.

Authority Corporate Communications Manager Topsy Sikalinda said the consignment was intercepted when ZRA Customs officers working with other security wings at the airport identified suspicious objects upon scanning the luggage of the passenger.

“It was discovered that the consignment was concealed in the suitcase as medicine, tea-bags and a comb.” He said

Mr Sikalinda said investigations have revealed that the arrested individual is the mastermind of this particular syndicate as it was further discovered that he also had some other precious stones in his custody.
He says the Authority further implores the public to ensure that they follow the right channels and procedures for all exports of minerals and precious stones.

“We want to make it crystal clear that ZRA will not tolerate any form of smuggling or tax evasion by any individual or company.” He said.