Staff Reporter

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) in Karoi intercepted a truck transporting smuggled groceries worth US$16,000 from Zambia to Harare.

This publication managed to speak to one of the Zimbabwe Revenue Authorities officers to shed light on the arrest.

“It is routine that the trucks are inspected on arrival at the border, something however seemed off with the weight of the truck and the papers that were provided by the truck driver, so the members of the ZRP on duty on the day in question requested to check the cargo that is when we discovered the contraband.

I have no further information as the Police are still conducting their investigations,” said the officer who preferred to remain unidentified.

An interview with business owners in Karoi revealed the unfair competition they suffer against their smuggling counterparts.

“The buy Zimbabwe brand shares unfair completion because of these smuggled goods, their pricing is very low and lately the quality if counterfeit. They smuggle fake products that they buy at very cheap prices, destroying brand Zimbabwe in the process,” said Winfred Madondo a retailer in Karoi.

 Commending the action taken by the ZRP an eye witness who had also just returned from Zambia, gave his own narration.

"It is disturbing how this truck managed to pass through the border undetected initially. However, the vigilance of our law enforcement agencies has once again proven to be effective in curbing such illegal activities," the source remarked.

This incident comes in the wake of a broader crackdown on smuggling operations. Recently, a joint operation by the Consumer Protection Commission (CPC), ZIMRA, and law enforcement agents uncovered widespread trade of smuggled goods in Harare’s downtown shops, commonly known as tuck-shops. Several businesses were ffound to be in violation of various sections of the Consumer Protection Act (Chapter 14:44).

In a related development, during the 2024 Easter Holiday, ZIMRA intercepted a smuggling attempt at the Beitbridge Border Post, seizing 113.7 kilograms of cannabis and 2,682 bottles of Benylin cough syrup, valued at US$140,520. Smuggling operations have been depriving the Government of vital tax revenue and harming local businesses struggling to compete with lower-priced illegal goods.

 Additionally, the unregulated quality and safety of smuggled goods pose potential health risks to consumers. The Government and law enforcement agencies continue to intensify their efforts to combat smuggling, aiming to protect both the economy and public health.

This publication sought comment from Assistant Commissioner, Paul Nyathi however, the publication had not received his comment by the time of publishing.