ZRA Seizes Smuggled Alcohol and Cosmetics Worth K4.9m in Chirundu
The Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) has intercepted and seized two trucks carrying smuggled alcoholic beverages and cosmetics at Chirundu, resulting in a revenue loss estimated at over K4.9 million.
According to ZRA Corporate Communications Manager, Oliver Nzala, both seizures were made on the same night after the trucks used an unauthorised gate and route from the Chirundu One Stop Border Post. The interceptions were facilitated by private security personnel contracted to guard the border premises.
The first truck, laden with assorted alcoholic beverages, was involved in an accident along the undesignated route. Subsequent security footage revealed that a second truck carrying cosmetics had also attempted to bypass official procedures. ZRA officers later intercepted the vehicle in local truck yards within Chirundu.
The seized consignments are valued at K4.1 million for the alcohol and K805,000 for the cosmetics. Both trucks and their goods are liable to forfeiture under the Customs and Excise Act.
Mr Nzala, warned importers and transporters against engaging in such illegal practices, stressing that those found culpable risk losing their goods and vehicles in addition to facing prosecution.
“The Authority is taking decisive action against smuggling to safeguard revenue and promote legitimate trade. We urge all importers to make correct declarations of goods being imported,” Mr Nzala said.
He further encouraged members of the public and transporters to report any suspected cases of smuggling to the ZRA.
