18/10/2026
ZRA intercepts over K22 million worth of goods, impounds 3 stolen vehicles
THE Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) and partner law enforcement agencies have intercepted assorted goods worth K22.5 million and impounded three vehicles confirmed stolen outside Zambia during joint operations targeting smuggling and illicit trade.
The operations, conducted from October 5 to 9, 2026, covered Lusaka, Copperbelt, North-Western, Southern and Western provinces, with authorities also targeting motor vehicle offences and transnational organized crime.
According to ZRA corporate communications manager Oliver Nzala, the seized goods included 14,147 bricks of ci******es valued at about K14.1 million and 6,528 bottles of alcoholic beverages worth approximately K8.3 million, among other items.
Nzala said the values represented estimates of the goods seized and should not be mistaken for taxes recovered.
During the same operations, seven vehicles were intercepted in Lusaka and Copperbelt provinces for further checks.
Three of them, a Toyota Fortuner, Ford Ranger and Toyota Hilux, were confirmed stolen outside Zambia after intelligence-led checks against updated INTERPOL information.
The vehicles were subsequently impounded on the Copperbelt.
The other four vehicles were intercepted for customs and regulatory verification, with concerns including registration compliance, expired temporary-importation documents and unverified customs-clearance records.
ZRA said smuggling and illicit trade undermine businesses that follow the law, distort fair competition and put public revenue at risk, while cross-border vehicle crime exposes unsuspecting buyers to financial losses and supports criminal networks.
The authority said it would continue working with partner agencies to share intelligence, verify suspicious transactions and take appropriate action where offences were established.
It has since urged importers, traders and motorists to keep their customs documents valid and comply with vehicle registration and temporary-importation requirements.
"The Authority urges importers, traders and motorists to maintain valid customs documentation and comply with applicable registration and temporary-importation requirements," Nzala said.
Prospective vehicle buyers have also been advised to verify ownership, registration and customs clearance with the relevant authorities before making payments.
Kalemba October 18, 2026
