ZRA FOILS ATTEMPTED SMUGGLING OF K3.1M OF ETHANOL DISGUISED AS HYDROGEN PEROXIDE
THE Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) has intercepted 80,000 liters of ethanol concealed as hydrogen peroxide in a smuggling attempt.
The estimated revenue loss from this fraudulent activity is K3.1 million.
Ethanol, a key raw material for excisable products, was disguised with misleading labels on the 1000 litres drums transported in two trucks, revealing a sophisticated attempt to avoid detection.
ZRA corporate communications manager Oliver Nzala said in a statement that an inspection for quantity and declaration revealed that the product was ethanol.
He said further inspections of the two trucks used for smuggling and verification of documents also revealed that the same consignment was declared as ethanol in Botswana.
“The drums on the trucks have stickers that show that the consignment is hydrogen peroxide. This is just to conceal the true consignment, which is ethanol.
The estimated revenue loss on this fraudulent activity is K3.1 million,” he said.
Mr Nzala said smuggling distorts the collection of data by customs for trade purposes, loss of revenue, and unfair trade competition.
He said the Authority in collaboration with other government agencies, is committed to the fight against illicit trade,adding that robust techniques have been deployed to ensure that it actively conducts intelligence surveillance, investigations, and prosecution of unscrupulous traders.
“Taxpayers are encouraged to pay their taxes and remain compliant with tax laws in order to avoid punitive enforcement measures, including prosecution. ZRA is building taxpayers’ trust through facilitation to compliance and endeavors to make taxpaying experience better through the provision of a courteous and professional service,” he said.
Mwebantu