The Zambia National Service ZNS in Chipata has impounded two 30 ton trucks laden with maize that were destined for Malawi.
Eastern Province Permanent Secretary Chanda Kasolo says the trucks suspected to be carrying about 600 by 50 kilogramme bags each have been impounded on suspicion of smuggling the staple food outside the country.
Mr Kasolo who inspected the trucks at Mwami border yesterday redirected the trucks from Mwami border to a ZNS camp in Chipata where officers will conduct a thorough inspection of the maize before appropriate action can be taken.
The two trucks had some export documents missing while the maize is suspected to be this year’s harvest originating from Chipata.
The Permanent secretary explained that Government has not authorized the export of this year’s maize harvest and that he will engage experts from the Ministry of Agriculture to check the moisture content and verify if it is 2015/2016 maize harvest.
Mr. Kasolo says that no one has been permitted to export this year’s maize and that even the previous year’s harvest should have valid export permits before it can be exported.
Eastern Province has been recording increased smuggling of maize and maize products.