Government launches door-to-door blitz on smuggled goods

The Government of Zimbabwe has launched an extensive door-to-door crackdown aimed at confiscating smuggled goods, which have become a growing problem, especially during the festive season. This operation, targeting both individuals and businesses involved in smuggling, is a direct response to the country's annual losses of up to US$1 billion due to illicit trade at the borders.

The crackdown coincides with the peak season for smuggling as Zimbabweans returning home for the Christmas and New Year holidays often bring goods from South Africa and other neighbouring countries. The Government has declared zero tolerance for smuggling and issued stern warnings for those attempting to bypass customs regulations.

Permanent Secretary for Presidential Affairs in the Office of the President, Engineer Tafadzwa Muguti, addressed the media yesterday, announcing the deployment of a taskforce to all major border posts and key roads. The taskforce, consisting of inter-governmental agencies, will conduct comprehensive inspections at wholesale and retail shops, targeting smuggled goods such as food items, clothing, electronics, vehicles, drugs, beverages, fertilisers, cement, and solar panels.

"This December, we will have inter-governmental agencies stationed at our major border posts to ensure zero tolerance for smugglers. The taskforce will conduct door-to-door inspections of all goods in wholesale and retail shops," Eng Muguti said.

The Government's primary goal is to protect local industries by preventing the influx of cheap, often counterfeit goods, many of which pose health risks to consumers. Eng Muguti also issued a stern warning to Zimbabweans returning from the diaspora for the holidays, noting that there would be no fines at roadblocks for smuggling violations; instead, those caught would be arrested on the spot.

He cautioned, "You risk spending Christmas behind bars if you engage in these activities. Many choose not to declare their groceries and attempt to smuggle illicit alcohol and other items, but we will not tolerate this."

In addition to the border posts, the taskforce will target wholesalers, supermarkets, and tech shops suspected of trafficking in smuggled goods. The crackdown also includes measures to combat parallel market exchange rates and the sale of counterfeit, underweight, or unlabelled products. To ensure compliance, 24-hour roadblocks have been set up along major highways leading into key cities.

The taskforce, which was established last month, includes various Government agencies such as the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra), the Zimbabwe Republic Police, the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ), and the Consumer Protection Commission.

Eng Muguti emphasized that the operation would not tolerate any corruption within government ranks and pointed out that surveillance systems have been implemented at roadblocks and across the transport sector to prevent any malpractice.

Since the beginning of the year, authorities have arrested 15,181 individuals for smuggling offenses. As the festive season approaches, the Government is stepping up its efforts to protect the local economy, ensure fair competition for domestic businesses, and curb the illegal trade that has impacted the country's economic stability.