The Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) has intercepted seven Somali nationals who were allegedly being smuggled through Zambia to Zimbabwe after they were found concealed beneath bags of rice in a vehicle during a routine operation in Kapiri Mposhi. According to ZRA, officers stopped…

The Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) has intercepted seven Somali nationals who were allegedly being smuggled through Zambia to Zimbabwe after they were found concealed beneath bags of rice in a vehicle during a routine operation in Kapiri Mposhi.

According to ZRA, officers stopped a Toyota Probox travelling towards the Chirundu One Stop Border Post and, upon inspection, discovered the seven immigrants hidden in the rear cargo compartment under bags of rice and other goods.

The Zambian driver of the vehicle, together with the seven Somali nationals, was handed over to the Department of Immigration for profiling and further legal action in accordance with the Immigration and Deportation Act.

Meanwhile, in a separate enforcement operation, ZRA impounded a motor vehicle that had remained in Zambia illegally after its temporary import permit expired.

The authority said the vehicle entered the country through Kasumbalesa Border Post in December 2025 but was not re-exported after the permit lapsed, in violation of customs regulations.

ZRA has since reminded importers and motorists to comply with customs laws, warning that failure to do so may result in enforcement measures, including the seizure of vehicles and goods.