THE Zambia National Service Copperbelt anti-smuggling task force has successfully intercepted and impounded significant quantities of mealie meal and maize being smuggled across the border into the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
In a joint operation conducted on Wednesday September 4, in Ndola, the task force seized 298 bags of 25kg breakfast mealie meal concealed in an unfinished building in the Misundu-Overspill Area.
Two suspects were arrested in connection with the incident, and two motor vehicles were impounded.
The operation was launched following a tip-off from concerned residents.
Answering the call of duty, the task force, led by Major Prince Musukwa and Copperbelt Deputy Permanent Secretary Daniel Kamenga, responded to the information and apprehended the smugglers.
This seizure comes on the heels of another successful operation in Mufulira last month.
On August 22, a truck carrying 592 bags of 50kg maize was intercepted while attempting to cross the border into the DRC.
The driver, a Congolese national, escaped the scene.
These operations are done in order to adhere to Government’s imposed ban on the export of maize and non-genetically modified mealie meal in response to this year’s prolonged drought.
The Anti-Smuggling Task Force has played a crucial role in preventing the smuggling of these essential commodities, ensuring their availability to the local population.
The successful operations conducted by the task force have garnered praise from residents, who have expressed gratitude for their swift response and commitment to curbing illegal activities.
Moses Makwaya
Kalemba September 6, 2024
