Liquor outlets lose big in door to door smuggled g...

Liquor outlets lose big in door to door smuggled goods searches

Philemon Jambaya

Zim Now Editor

The government launched a nationwide crackdown on businesses suspected of selling smuggled goods during the festive season.

The operation, which targeted liquor outlets, tuckshops, and second-hand clothing shops, resulted in hefty fines and significant losses for the affected businesses.

The crackdown was particularly felt in the liquor industry, with popular imported brands like Heineken, Stella Artois, and Castle Light from South Africa disappearing from shelves.

Many liquor outlets and tuckshops, which had stocked up on these brands in anticipation of high demand during the festive season, were left counting their losses.

"We were caught off guard by the government's operation," said a liquor outlet owner, who wished to remain anonymous. "We had invested heavily in stocking imported liquor, but the fines we received have wiped out our profits. It's been a tough festive season for us."

The government's crackdown on smuggled goods is part of its efforts to promote local industries and curb tax evasion.

While the operation may have dealt a blow to businesses that rely on smuggled goods, it is expected to benefit local manufacturers and tax revenue.

However, some business owners have expressed concerns about the timing of the operation, which coincided with the festive season, a peak period for sales.

"We understand the need to enforce tax laws and promote local industries, but the government could have chosen a better time to launch the operation," said another business owner.

As the government continues to crack down on smuggled goods, businesses are being forced to rethink their strategies and explore alternative, legitimatesources of supply.

While the short-term losses may be significant, the long-term benefits of promoting local industries and curbing tax evasion are expected to outweigh the costs.

Zimbabwe is losing up to 1 billion U.S. dollars in revenue from smuggling along its borders.

Smuggling of goods across the borders peaks during the Christmas and New Year holidays as Zimbabwean expatriates return home and bring goods mainly from South Africa and other neighboring countries.

Smuggled products on the market include a wide range of food items, clothes, drugs, beverages, fertilizers, cement, vehicles, electrical gadgets, and solar panels, among other goods

To curb the illegal practices, the authorities launched an anti-smuggling campaign in November. Taskforce teams, including tax authorities, police, immigration officials, local authorities, consumer protection bodies, and monetary authorities, were set up to deal with the situation.