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MRA intercepts smuggled goods worth K7m

The Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA) last week intercepted goods worth over K7 million (about $21 212) that were smuggled into the country from Tanzania.

MRA public relations and communications manager Steve Kapoloma said the consignment of goods comprising clothes, kitchenware and tyres, belonged to several businesspeople and were destined for Mzuzu.

“The goods were coming from Tanzania and were destined for Mzuzu. MRA is expected to recover duty worth over K5 million and penalties from the consignment,” he said.

He said MRA’s Flexible Anti-Smuggling Team (Fast) was acting on a tip-off from the public when they intercepted the goods which were hidden in people’s homes at Kazuni in Rumphi and Kamfutu, an area bordering Malawi and Zambia in Mzimba.

The culprits, including people who aided them to smuggle the goods, were arrested and released on bail.

Smuggling of goods is a criminal offence that contravenes Section 134 of Customs and Excise Act and is punishable under Section 142 of the same Act.

The Act states that smugglers will be charged a minimum of K10 000 and a maximum of 10 times the value of duty plus three years imprisonment with hard labour.

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