Police in Plumtree last week intercepted two South African registered vehicles in Plumtree, Matabeleland South that were carrying smuggled goods.
The goods were then impounded by the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA).
In a recent statement, the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) said the two vehicles were intercepted at Madlambuzi and Mbimba business centres in Plumtree. The statement read:
On 16 May, police in Madlambuzi intercepted a grey Toyota D4D twin cab FF20 HP GP with trailer FH19PM GP laden with smuggled goods at Madlambuzi Business Centre and nabbed Mqondisi Dube, Reason Ncube and Butholezwe Mkwanazi for smuggling.
Police also recovered an abandoned Toyota GD6 vehicle GIMM74 with trailer 002GIF GP at Mbimba Business Centre. Meanwhile, the recovered goods were taken to Zimra.
The ZRP reiterates that members of the public must follow all immigration procedures when entering or exiting the country.
Speaking to NewsDay Tuesday, an economic commentator Reginald Shoko called on police to double its fight against the smuggling of goods to protect local industry and jobs.
Shoko said there is a need for a long term plan to deal with the issue of smuggled goods, especially commercial goods as the scourge negatively impact economic development.
Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Minister Kazembe Kazembe recently said various State security organs were involved in joint border patrols to curb illegal migration and the movement of contraband.
Kazembe also revealed that drones will be deployed at the country’s borders to curb smuggling, with reports suggesting that smuggling costs Treasury nearly US$1 billion a year in unpaid customs duty.