ZRA intercepts truck smuggling chicken

THE Zambia Revenue Authority has intercepted a truck with smuggled chicken pieces. In a statement, ZRA corporate communication manager Topsy Sikalinda stated that the intercepted chicken pieces were worth K260,000 in taxes.

“There is precedence for traders to try and smuggle in goods during the festive season in order to make more profits but the Authority has ensured that the Mobile Compliance Unit is in all strategic parts of the country, he stated.

Sikalinda stated the consignment was declared as transit goods going to a neighbouring country when in fact it was destined for Lusaka.

“The chicken pieces and truck have been seized on grounds of false declaration and forgery contrary to section 141 Cap 322 of the customs and excise Act. Our investigations have so far revealed that this particular company has been smuggling meat products into the country using transit fraud, he stated. We always say it is cheaper to pay taxes than smuggling as the cost of smuggling is losing both the goods and the truck.”

Sikalinda stated that ZRA was fully aware that during the festive season, temptations to smuggle goods were high.

He appealed to citizens to report anyone who is involved in tax evasion.

“We are aware that during the festive season, the temptation to smuggle goods like alcohol, groceries and other items is high, but we want to assure Zambians that the authority is on high alert to deal with the smugglers,” stated Sikalinda.