Govt warns smugglers as joint operations team foils mealie meal smuggling attempt in Ndola

Ndola District Commissioner Previous Njekwa says authorities in the district are on high alert to curb mealie meal smuggling into the neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Njekwa disclosed that officers under the District Joint Operations Committee (DJOC) recently intercepted an attempt to smuggle mealie meal through Bwana Mkubwa in Ndola.

“During the process, our team discovered that the individuals present were mere proxies, hired in large numbers, and they used stones and other unidentified weapons to attack our officers in an attempt to deter them from doing their job,” she said in a statement on Saturday.

Despite the attack, Njekwa said officers successfully thwarted the illegal activity.

She explained that President Hakainde Hichilema, through the Ministry of Agriculture, had authorised the issuance of permits for the legal export of mealie meal to the DRC, allowing citizens to benefit economically while boosting the nation’s revenue base.

Read more: Alleged mealie meal smugglers injured in clash with ZNS Anti-Smuggling squad

“As a district administration, we will not tolerate any illegal activities regardless of their nature. We shall not spare anyone, because the food security of our nation comes first,” she stressed.

Njekwa further warned smugglers: “If they are caught, they will face the full force of the law.”

She added that milling companies found complicit in smuggling activities would be blacklisted and barred from conducting business with government.

“Our task force remains committed to eradicating this harmful practice completely. The New Dawn administration attaches great importance to the food security of this nation,” she said.

Njekwa also urged members of the public to report any suspicious or illegal activities to the relevant authorities at any time.

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