The Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) has seized 800 cases of smuggled Vikings cigarettes valued at K7.8 million in lost revenue after intercepting a truck that had falsely been declared as carrying household goods in transit.
ZRA Corporate Affairs Manager Oliver Nzala says officers intercepted the truck, registration number LZ 46 TN GP, which was en route from South Africa, transiting through Chirundu and reportedly destined for the Democratic Republic of Congo. The consignment had been declared as assorted household items.
Mr. Nzala has added that following a trail by vigilant ZRA officers, the truck was tracked to a warehouse in Lusaka’s Garden House area, where the offloading was scheduled. An inspection at the warehouse revealed boxes of Vikings cigarettes concealed within the consignment.
Following the discovery, the warehouse was secured and sealed, while the truck and the entire consignment were seized.
ZRA has since warned importers and transporters involved in smuggling and false declarations that they risk having their goods and vehicles seized and forfeited to the State, in addition to facing prosecution in the courts of law.
The Authority says the decisive action is aimed at curbing fraudulent activities and promoting legitimate trade, urging all importers to make correct and accurate declarations of goods being imported.
By Rachel Mumba
