By MUYANI SHINJABALE
THERE is need for more stringent measures to help curb the rampant smuggling in various border areas on the Copperbelt, says Chifubu Constituency Member of Parliament (MP) Frank Ng’ambi.
Mr Ng’ambi said there was rampant smuggling of mealie meal in his constituency in Kawama at the border line with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The MP suggested that Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) must quickly move in and conduct a survey alongside the security officers manning the border area.
Speaking at the Provincial Administration in Ndola, Mr Ng’ambi suggested that ZRA should also get on board to appreciate the level of smuggling.
He indicated that it had been discovered that the major smugglers were individuals who were involved in real estate development in the area and used houses as warehouses. Mr Ng’ambi urged ZRA to invoke provisions of the law to control the smuggling in border areas. He said the smugglers who earned money through illicit means, would learn that their proceeds will not be of any value once the ZRA executed the mandate under the current statutes.
The MP urged all Zambians to stop smuggling mealie meal as it was a threat to the national food security.
Mr Ng’ambi, emphasised that it was imperative for the ZRA to work with his office curb the vice.
And ZRA acting Director Indirect Taxes, Shadreck Kachuma, said ZRA had already created teams which carried out impromptu visits to ensure compliance in border areas.
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