Avocado Mining reportedly convicted for attempted smuggling offense

The company has paid K5.4 million in assessed duty and penalties to ZRA and reimbursed the State K1.5 million in prosecution expenses. These payments are separate from the court-imposed fine.

In a separate case, ZRA officers intercepted a truck carrying two Toyota Land Cruisers in a 40-foot container at the Kafue checkpoint on Sept. 18, 2026. The consignment had entered Zambia through the Chirundu One Stop Border Post.

A physical inspection at the ZRA Makeni Yard established that the vehicles were brand-new, despite being more than two years old by year of manufacture, and had been incorrectly classified in the customs declaration.

The total tax obligation was more than K2.3 million, against which only K192,000 had been paid, resulting in a revenue loss of K2.1 million. Both vehicles have been seized under the Customs and Excise Act.

“ZRA urges importers, exporters, transporters and clearing agents to make complete and accurate declarations and pay all duties and taxes lawfully due,” Nzala said.

He said smuggling and deliberate misdeclaration undermine revenue collection and disadvantage compliant businesses.

Nzala assured that the authority would continue using intelligence-led operations, risk-based inspections and post-clearance audits to detect customs offences while facilitating legitimate trade.

“Where offences are established, ZRA will pursue appropriate enforcement action, including prosecution,” he said.

Nzala encouraged members of the public to report suspected customs fraud through official ZRA reporting channels.

“Protecting public revenue supports domestic resource mobilisation and Zambia’s development,” he said.

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