adminweeks ago.
It was gathered that the Lomahasha SRA Customs staff took the truck to Matsapha where the cargo was then offloaded. It was after offloading the consignment that the SRA staff discovered a compartment containing 140 master cases (1,4 million sticks) of illegal cigarettes from Zimbabwe.
SRA communications director Vusi Dlamini confirmed this yesterday.
“Further to the introduction of the campaign ‘Operation Blue’ in September action has been undertaken recently by SRA to enhance compliance with the Tax and Customs laws of Swaziland, particularly to combat illegal cigarettes. Following good work by SRA Customs staff at Lomahasha Border Post a truck was taken to Matsapha and the genuine cargo was offloaded.
“At the back of the 40-foot container was a hidden compartment containing 140 master cases (1,4 million sticks) of illegal cigarettes from Zimbabwe. Enquiries are continuing to establish the owners of the cigarettes but both the cigarettes and the truck have been seized,” said Dlamini.
Dlamini further clarified that the confiscated illegal cigarette evaded over US$83 073 in customs duties. — Times of Swaziland.
Online Reporter