Zimra resort to sniffer dogs to curb smuggling at entry points

Zimbabwe is set to use sniffer dogs at all entry points to curb rampant smuggling of goods especially drugs in and out of the country.

Ten imported breeder dogs from South Africa to be used by the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) are already undergoing training with the assistance of Air Force of Zimbabwe.

"Zimbabwe is becoming not only a transit for drugs but risk becoming a huge consumer if we do not put out measures to control the movement of drugs in the country," Zimra boss, Gershom Pasi said.

Though Zimra has deployed hundreds of staff to monitor smuggling, they have failed to reduce it as some of the have been accused of being part of smuggling syndicates.

Countless people have been nabbed at various border posts attempting to smuggle various quantities of drugs both in and out of the country.

Beitbridge is the main border post that is frequently used by smugglers.

Plumtree border post is also a prime point for cigarette smuggling.

Early this year, Zimra introduced fully body search on all travellers at entry points, a move that was quickly scrabbled after a public outcry.