35 adults have been arrested for illegal fuel vending and possession following coordinated raids on suspected illicit fuel trading sites in Chipata, Katete, and Lundazi districts of Eastern Province.
The operation was carried out by the Joint Task Force on Illegal Fuel Vending, comprising law enforcement agencies and the Energy Regulation Board (ERB), led by the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) and the Zambia Police Service (ZP).
The arrests were made in connection with the illegal sale and possession of 3,391 litres of fuel, in violation of Section 48(1)(b)(c) of the Energy Regulation Act, as well as the possession of non-conforming petroleum products, contrary to the provisions of Statutory Instrument No. 69 of 2017.
Authorities also seized various items suspected to be proceeds of crime, including K8,320 in cash, an Infinix smartphone, and 20 litres of illicit liquor (Kachasu).
In a statement issued to RCV News in Lusaka today, DEC Public Relations Officer Allan Tamba emphasized the dangers of illegal fuel trading, stating that such activities not only threaten public safety, health, and the environment but also undermine regulatory efforts in the energy sector.
“Fuel dealers are required to abide by established laws and procedures to avoid the risks associated with illegal fuel trading,” said Mr. Tamba.
He further warned traders to obtain the necessary licenses before engaging in fuel-related businesses, cautioning that non-compliance will result in arrests and confiscation of illegally acquired fuel.
Mr. Tamba also urged the motoring public to purchase fuel only from licensed filling stations and to report any suspicious illegal fuel vending activities to the relevant authorities.
By Cynthia Lupiya.
