ZRA intercepts cigarette smuggling operation at Kazungula Border

By Arnold Tutu

The Zambia Revenue Authority –ZRA- has impounded an Armaguard vehicle used for smuggling boxes of cigarettes from South Africa via Kazungula border into Livingstone before transportation to Lusaka.

The Authority has warned that any individual, company and entity involved in or abetting smuggling and tax evasion will be prosecuted.

In a statement to ZNBC news, ZRA Corporate Communications Manager OLIVER NZALA said the Authority has intensified surveillance and enforcement activities to ensure government revenue is not lost.

Mr. NZALA said the seized Armaguard vehicle and boxes of cigarettes highlight the extent to which smugglers and tax evaders can go to avoid paying duties and taxes.

The vehicle and goods were seized on Monday evening in Livingstone by ZRA officers.

The 23 seized boxes of cigarettes were imported from South Africa with a Value for Duty Purpose –VDP- of K139, 000.

At the time of seizure, the Armaguard vehicle had two people on board, the driver and guard armed with a gun.