Zambia’s defense and security wings have intensified efforts in a bid to curb smuggling of the country’s staple food into neighboring countries.

A day after government deployed the army in border areas, heads of Zambia’s defense and security wings have visited Kasumbalesa Border on the Copperbelt province, where smuggling of the commodity into the Democratic Republic of Congo has been rampant.

Zambia Airforce Commander Lieutenant General, Collin Barry, has disclosed that the Airforce is considering implementing aerial operations in a bid to help curb smuggling.

And speaking when he led a team of service chiefs to the border, Copperbelt Minister, Elisha Matambo says government through the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) offloaded about 95, 000 metric tonnes of maize, which will soon be distributed to all millers in the province.

Meanwhile, Chapter One Foundation Executive Director, Linda Kasonde, has urged government to have a holistic approach to address the mealie-meal crisis.

By Rogan Labika