By GIDEON NYENDWA
THE Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) has intercepted a fuel tanker truck involved in the smuggling of 33,000 litres of ethanol into the country.
ZRA Corporate Communications Manager, Oliver Nzala, said the truck, bearing registration number LF 47 RN GP, was seized following intelligence reports about a smuggling cartel exploiting Zambia’s borders.
He said the ethanol, reportedly transported from South Africa, was declared as being in transit to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) but investigations revealed that the ethanol was offloaded in Lusaka before the truck proceeded empty to the Sakania border, where customs procedures were purportedly finalized.
Mr Nzala said during an inspection at the Sakania border, ZRA officials discovered the tanker was empty, raising suspicions and inquiries led to the arrest of the truck driver, who was now assisting authorities in identifying other individuals linked to the smuggling operation.
He said the truck has been seized and will be forfeited to the state, while the revenue lost through this illegal activity has been estimated at K1.4 million.
Mr Nzala highlighted the broader implications of ethanol smuggling, stating that it fuels the production of counterfeit alcoholic beverages, which pose health risks to citizens and disrupt fair trade competition.
“Smuggled ethanol is a major ingredient in the manufacture of cheap, counterfeit alcoholic drinks that endanger lives and undermine legitimate businesses,” Mr. Nzala said.
He urged the public to collaborate in dismantling such smuggling cartels by providing intelligence reports.
“ZRA has enhanced vigilance at the country’s border points to prevent harmful products from entering the market. Our mandate extends beyond revenue collection to safeguarding the public from the dangers posed by illicit trade,” he added.
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