…as the vice drops 50 p.c.
By BUUMBA CHIMBULU
SMUGGLING interceptions have reduced by 50 percent due to usage of technology at border points by the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA).
Last year, ZRA recorded 3,426 interceptions as compared to 138 interceptions which have so far been recorded this year.
ZRA has deployed enforcement teams and key strategic innovations as well as technological equipment at all entry and exit points, says ZRA Corporate Communications Manager, Topsy Sikalinda.
Mr Sikalinda said using advanced technology such as drones, ZRA ha intercepted two trucks which could have led to Government losing about K1 million in taxes.
He warned that enforcement teams would not be withdrawn as anticipated by smugglers who had parked their trucks waiting to smuggle goods.
“We have deployed our enforcement teams in all parts of the country such as the southern, eastern, northern and western routes.We are aware of some trucks that have opted to park and wait thinking these enforcement officers will withdraw soon.
“We wish to inform them to just pay the correct taxes and enter the country because these enforcement teams will not be withdrawn. The teams are being assisted by our drawn pilots to ensure all routes are monitored 24/7,” Mr Sikalinda told the press yesterday in Lusaka.
He also announced that ZRA at the weekend intercepted two trucks carrying used clothing (salaula) which was misclassified as sack bags in transit to Zimbabwe.
Mr Sikalinda explained that drowns were used in the operation and warned that ZRA would continue using modern technology to follow all suspected cases of smuggling.
“If this consignment was not intercepted, the government and the people of Zambia could have lost about K 1 million in taxes,” he said.
ZRA, he said, had intensified the implementation of key strategic innovations and Technological measures geared towards curbing the smuggling of goods to protect the domestic economy, consumers and government revenue.
Mr Sikalinda therefore announced that in CCTV camera systems, drones other gadgets had been installed in most border posts to helped curb rampant smuggling and other unlawful transactions.
Most drones used have an active tracking system which can go over 300 meters
“The country was losing millions of dollars before investing in border security controls as a result of smuggling of goods into the country at various points.
“We are glad to also mention that from the statistics so far, there has been a drop in smuggling cases compared to the past. This is commendable and we thank the taxpayers for doing the right things,” he said.
