ZRA, partner agencies intercept goods worth K22.5 million and 3 stolen vehicles

THE Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) and partner law enforcement agencies intercepted assorted goods worth an estimated K22.5 million and impounded three vehicles confirmed stolen outside Zambia during joint operations held Oct. 5-9, ZRA said.

In a statement, ZRA Corporate Communications Manager Oliver Nzala said the operations were conducted across Lusaka, Copperbelt, North-Western, Southern and Western provinces, targeting smuggling, illicit trade, motor vehicle-related offences and transnational organized crime.

Nzala said the seized goods included 14,147 bricks of cigarettes valued at approximately K14.1 million and 6,528 bottles of alcoholic beverages valued at approximately K8.3 million, among other items. He said the figures represent the estimated value of the goods, not taxes recovered.

Seven motor vehicles were intercepted in Lusaka and Copperbelt provinces, Nzala said. Three — a Toyota Fortuner, Ford Ranger and Toyota Hilux — were confirmed stolen outside Zambia and impounded on the Copperbelt following intelligence-led verification against updated INTERPOL information.

Four other vehicles were intercepted for customs and regulatory verification over vehicle-registration compliance, expired temporary-importation documentation and unverified customs-clearance records, according to Nzala.

“Smuggling and illicit trade undermine businesses that comply with the law, distort fair competition and put public revenue at risk,” Nzala said. “Cross-border vehicle crime also exposes buyers to significant financial loss and supports criminal networks.”

Nzala said ZRA will continue working with partner agencies to strengthen intelligence sharing, verify suspicious transactions and take appropriate action where offences are established.

He urged importers, traders and motorists to maintain valid customs documentation and comply with applicable registration and temporary-importation requirements, and advised prospective vehicle buyers to verify customs clearance, ownership and registration details with relevant authorities before completing a purchase.

(Mwebantu, Sunday, 18th October, 2026)