The Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) has seized a fuel tanker truck for abetting the smuggling of 33,000 litres of ethanol into Zambia.
ZRA intercepted the truck with registration number LF 47 RN GP following intelligence reports about a cartel that was smuggling ethanol into Zambia by purporting that it was in transit to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
ZRA Corporate Communications Manager, Oliver Nzala, says the truck carrying the ethanol from South Africa, entered Zambia through the Victoria Falls Border in Livingstone with a declaration that the ethanol was in transit to DRC.
“However, the ethanol was offloaded in Lusaka before proceeding to Sakania border for the purpose of ensuring that all customs procedures are completed but inspections on the truck at the border revealed that it was empty,” said Mr. Nzala in a statement issued to RCV News in Lusaka today.
He said that the truck driver was arrested to help with the investigations and ensuring that all those involved in the act are held accountable, adding that the truck has been seized and will be forfeited to the State.
Mr. Nzala said that the total revenue lost from this smuggling act is K1.4 million adding that the authority has enhanced vigilance at the country border points as part of key measures geared towards stepping up the against illicit trade and counterfeits.
Angel Kasabo
