ZRA seizes smuggled cigarettes worth K7.8m

ZRA seizes smuggled cigarettes worth K7.8m

By George Zulu

THE Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) yesterday seized a truck with 800 cases of smuggled Vikings Cigarettes worth K7.8 million.

ZRA corporate communications manager Oliver Nzala said the goods were cleared and destined for the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) from South Africa but ended up at a warehouse in Garden House Compound.

Nzala said the truck had been suspiciously declared as carrying household goods when in fact not.

“…the goods were on a truck with registration number LZ 46 TN GP en route from South Africa, transiting through Chirundu, and destined for the Democratic Republic of Congo. The truck had been declared as carrying assorted household items in transit,” he said.

He explained that vigilant ZRA officials trailed the truck before it finally parked at a warehouse located in a densely populated Garden House town in Lusaka.

“However, a trail by vigilant Zambia Revenue Authority officers followed the vehicle to a warehouse in Lusaka’s Garden House, where the offloading was scheduled,” he said.

Nzala said an inspection conducted at the warehouse discovered boxes of Vikings cigarettes concealed within the consignment.

“Following the discovery, the warehouse was secured and sealed. The truck, together with the consignment, was subsequently seized. The Zambia Revenue Authority would like to remind importers and transporters involved in similar schemes that they risk having their goods and trucks seized and forfeited to the state as well as face prosecution in the Courts of Law. By taking decisive action against these fraudulent activities, ZRA aims to promote legitimate trade. All importers are encouraged to make correct declarations of goods being imported,” he warned.