ZRA Seizes Goods Worth K22.5 Million, Impounds Three Stolen Vehicles

The Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) has seized assorted goods valued at K22.5 million and impounded three vehicles confirmed stolen outside Zambia during joint law enforcement operations across five provinces.

The operations, conducted from October 5 to 9, 2026, targeted smuggling, illicit trade, vehicle-related offences and transnational organised crime in Lusaka, Copperbelt, North-Western, Southern and Western provinces.

According to ZRA, the seized goods included 14,147 bricks of cigarettes valued at about K14.1 million and 6,528 bottles of alcoholic beverages worth approximately K8.3 million.

The authority clarified that these figures represent the estimated value of the goods seized, not taxes recovered.

Seven vehicles were also intercepted in Lusaka and Copperbelt provinces. Three, a Toyota Fortuner, Ford Ranger and Toyota Hilux, were confirmed stolen outside Zambia following verification against updated INTERPOL information. They were impounded on the Copperbelt.

The other four vehicles were flagged for customs and regulatory checks, with concerns involving registration compliance, expired temporary-importation documents and unverified customs-clearance records.

ZRA says smuggling and illicit trade undermine law-abiding businesses, distort competition and put public revenue at risk. It has pledged to continue working with partner agencies to share intelligence and act where offences are established.

The authority has urged importers, traders and motorists to maintain valid customs documents and comply with registration and temporary-importation requirements. It has also advised prospective vehicle buyers to verify ownership, registration and customs clearance with the relevant authorities before completing purchases.