US$2.4m smuggled goods seized in nationwide crackdown

STAFF WRITER

The Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra), in collaboration with law enforcement agencies, has confiscated smuggled goods worth approximately US$2.4m during a large-scale operation targeting illegal importers and cross-border transporters.

The multi-agency crackdown resulted in the seizure of dozens of vehicles, including buses and haulage trucks, as well as illicit goods such as second-hand clothes and unregulated foodstuffs. The operation focuses on inspecting commercial and passenger vehicles on cross-border trade routes to combat smuggling and enforce compliance.

Zimra Commissioner-General Regina Chinamasa confirmed the significant haul, stating that state warehouses are now overflowing with confiscated items.

“We have recovered goods with a total duty value of ZWG46,242,385 (about US$1.8m) and US$572,199,” Chinamasa said.

“This operation is designed to curb smuggling, encourage voluntary compliance, and promote ethical business practices. Once compliance improves, these controls will remain part of ongoing risk management strategies.”

The initiative aims to address the rising threat of smuggling, which undermines legitimate trade, disrupts economic growth, and poses risks to public safety. It also seeks to ensure that all importers fulfill their duty and tax obligations while safeguarding the public from harmful and counterfeit goods.

Launched last year by a high-level government task force, the operation involves Zimra, the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ), the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, and other enforcement agencies. The task force was established to tackle unethical business practices that harm the economy and local industries.

To enforce compliance, authorities have intensified inspections by setting up 24-hour roadblocks along major highways and conducting surprise raids on retail shops. Businesses unable to provide documentation proving the legal importation of goods face heavy fines and the confiscation of their stock.

“This operation not only protects legitimate traders from unfair competition but also enhances supply chain security and consumer safety,” Chinamasa added.