Police across Zimbabwe have seized over 50 buses and 20 haulage trucks during recent anti-smuggling operations. They also confiscated more than 70 kilograms of marijuana and various contraband goods over the past few days. Officers continue to set up checkpoints nationwide, stopping vehicles to search for illegal items as part of an expanding enforcement campaign against smuggling activities.
National Police Spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi stressed these efforts would continue until they restore order throughout the country. He explained their focus includes intercepting smuggled groceries, electronics, and drugs. The large amount of marijuana seized demonstrates how serious these operations have become. Commissioner Nyathi delivered a clear message that any transport company using buses or trucks for smuggling will face strict legal consequences.
The Commissioner encouraged citizens to help the national task force ensure everyone follows customs regulations. He advised anyone whose vehicle authorities have taken to respect legal procedures and wait for official processing. Nyathi emphasized that bus companies moving passengers from the Beitbridge Border must verify travelers have properly declared all items they carry to avoid legal problems connected with smuggling violations.
The government started these enforcement measures last December to reduce illegal goods entering the country. A special team created by the Cabinet leads these efforts, aiming to protect local businesses and consumers from harmful trade practices. The Industry and Commerce Ministry directs this team, which is helped by tax authorities, police, the central bank, consumer protection officials, and other government agencies working together against smuggling networks.
Authorities target businesses that use unofficial exchange rates or sell fake, underweight, or improperly labeled products. Enforcement teams operate around-the-clock roadblocks on major highways leading to cities, inspecting vehicles they suspect carry smuggled merchandise. They also conduct surprise visits to stores where owners must show documentation proving the legal importation of their inventory. Businesses failing inspection face heavy penalties and immediate confiscation of goods.
National Police Spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi stressed these efforts would continue until they restore order throughout the country. He explained their focus includes intercepting smuggled groceries, electronics, and drugs. The large amount of marijuana seized demonstrates how serious these operations have become. Commissioner Nyathi delivered a clear message that any transport company using buses or trucks for smuggling will face strict legal consequences.
The Commissioner encouraged citizens to help the national task force ensure everyone follows customs regulations. He advised anyone whose vehicle authorities have taken to respect legal procedures and wait for official processing. Nyathi emphasized that bus companies moving passengers from the Beitbridge Border must verify travelers have properly declared all items they carry to avoid legal problems connected with smuggling violations.
The government started these enforcement measures last December to reduce illegal goods entering the country. A special team created by the Cabinet leads these efforts, aiming to protect local businesses and consumers from harmful trade practices. The Industry and Commerce Ministry directs this team, which is helped by tax authorities, police, the central bank, consumer protection officials, and other government agencies working together against smuggling networks.
Authorities target businesses that use unofficial exchange rates or sell fake, underweight, or improperly labeled products. Enforcement teams operate around-the-clock roadblocks on major highways leading to cities, inspecting vehicles they suspect carry smuggled merchandise. They also conduct surprise visits to stores where owners must show documentation proving the legal importation of their inventory. Businesses failing inspection face heavy penalties and immediate confiscation of goods.
