GOVT WARNS SMUGGLERS
… You are putting your lives at risk with reinforced security
SECURITY is being reinforced along border lines and personnel are on high alert so individuals engaging in smuggling of maize are putting their lives at risk, Defence Minister, Davis Chama has warned.
This follows concerns that Zambia’s food security is at risk because of rampant smuggling of maize produced under the subsidised Farmer Input Support Programme (FISP) which should be bought by the Food Reserve
Agency (FRA).
Ministry of Agriculture Permanent Secretary Songowayo Zyambo revealed that some neighbouring countries are mopping up the FISP maize through unscrupulous traders who are getting the commodity at giveaway prices from farmers.
Mr Chama however directed security officers on the ground to ensure that the smuggling of maize and mealie meal was stopped.
He said the defense officers had been patrolling borders to ensure that maize and mealie meal does not leave the country but the exercise had been challenging because of the vastness of border lines.
Mr Chama however said security forces were on high alert and that Government would continue deploying more officers to reinforce the teams.
He warned that smugglers risk arrest and having their transport vessels and commodity forfeited to the state, saying that a number of people have so far been arrested.
"With the reinforcements we are undertaking, those involved in smuggling are risking their lives because some smugglers start running when they are challenged to stop and our officer may use minimum force to stop them.
"Our officers are very alert. Of late we have been impounding a number of vessels carrying mealie meal and bags of maize destined for smuggling," Mr Chama said.
Mr Chama said the security wings were on the ground to ensure national food security is not compromised by smuggling.
He said the Ministry of Defence was working with Zambia Police to scale up patrols to stop smuggling to secure the bumper harvest that was recorded last farming season.