ZRA Intercepts 10 Trucks Containing K1.2 BN Of Smuggled Copper Ores

The Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) has intercepted 10 trucks laden with K1.2 billion worth of Copper ores which is allegedly to have been smuggled from Congo (DRC) through the newly gazetted Lonshi Border Post.

ZRA Corporate Communications Manager Topsy Sikalinda revealed in a statement that the smugglers presented fake customs documents to the authorities and after verification, the alert ZRA officers with other security wings moved in to intercept the trucks that were already hidden in the bush.

“During the interception, the officers were threatened with guns but since the operation was jointly conducted with other security wings, all the 10 trucks were intercepted and have been issued with seizure notices,” Sikalinda said.

And Sikalinda said the authority is currently, losing over K100 million per month in taxes due to a drastic reduction in the importation of Copper ores by known importers because smugglers are now supplying them with the commodity.

The Authority collects 5% customs import duty on Copper ores and 16% Value Added Tax.

Source: Mwebantu