The Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) has intercepted and seized a smuggled heavy-duty self-propelled motor grader together with a commercial truck used to transport the equipment, preventing a potential revenue loss of more than K615,000.
According to a statement issued by ZRA Corporate Communications Manager Oliver Nzala, the interception took place on June 23, 2026, in Kapiri Mposhi during anti-smuggling enforcement operations along Zambia’s Northern Corridor.
Mr. Nzala said the high-value construction machinery was detected during routine patrols aimed at combating smuggling and protecting government revenue.
Upon being stopped by customs officers, the driver of the truck reportedly presented customs documents that initially appeared legitimate. However, further verification revealed that the documentation belonged to a completely different and unrelated consignment.
Investigations by customs officers uncovered what ZRA described as a deliberate attempt to deceive authorities. The smugglers allegedly used a truck, commonly referred to as a “horse,” with a registration number that matched the details on the fraudulent customs documents.
Meanwhile, the trailer carrying the heavy-duty motor grader bore a different registration number, a tactic that authorities believe was intended to disguise the illegal consignment and evade quick customs inspections.
Mr. Nzala stated that following the discovery of the discrepancies, ZRA established that the machinery had been smuggled into the country and proceeded to seize the motor grader, the truck, and the trailer involved in the operation.
The seizure was conducted under the provisions of the Customs and Excise Act, Chapter 322 of the Laws of Zambia.
The Authority noted that the successful operation prevented a significant loss of public revenue and demonstrated its commitment to tackling sophisticated smuggling schemes.
Mr. Nzala said ZRA remains on high alert and will continue intensifying enforcement operations against all forms of smuggling across the country.
He further warned individuals and businesses against participating in illegal importation activities, stressing that offenders risk losing their goods and may face prosecution under the law.
“The Zambia Revenue Authority remains on high alert to curtail all forms of smuggling in order to protect vital Government revenue,” Mr. Nzala said.
ZRA has continued to strengthen anti-smuggling measures as part of broader efforts to improve tax compliance, protect legitimate businesses, and safeguard resources needed for national development.
The Authority has since urged taxpayers and importers to comply with customs regulations and ensure all imported goods are properly declared and cleared through the appropriate legal channels.
