ZRA Intercepts Smuggled Cigarettes Worth K10 Million
The Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) has dismantled another cigarette smuggling scheme involving 800 cases of cigarettes valued at approximately K10 million in evaded taxes.
ZRA Corporate Communications Manager, Mr Oliver Nzala, said the interception was made as part of an ongoing and focused operation aimed at completely eliminating cigarette smuggling and other forms of illicit trade.
During the operation, ZRA officers intercepted a rigid truck bearing registration number MJ24HCGP, which was transporting household goods alongside 800 boxes of Viking cigarettes. The cigarettes had been declared as transit cargo destined for the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
However, an inspection of the truck revealed that the Viking cigarettes were affixed with ZRA tax stamps, confirming that the consignment was intended for the Zambian market and not for transit, rendering the shipment illegal.
Mr Nzala noted that illicit trade creates unfair competition for compliant businesses, poses potential health risks to consumers, and harms the economy through loss of government revenue arising from tax evasion.
He said ZRA would continue implementing strategic measures to combat illicit trade, particularly in excisable goods, in order to protect legitimate traders and safeguard government revenue.
Mr Nzala also appealed to members of the public to support the fight against smuggling by providing credible information on individuals or businesses involved in such activities, assuring that all information shared would be treated with the utmost confidentiality.
