Police bust US$110 000 alcohol smuggling syndicate

Two trucks transporting alcohol seized at Chamdor roadblock | Krugersdorp News

Zim Now Writer

An alcohol contraband worth US$110 000 contained in a 30-tonne truck was yesterday seized by Bulawayo police in what is suspected to be a well laid out smuggling operation.

Provincial deputy police spokesperson for Bulawayo, Assistant Inspector Nomalanga Msebele, confirmed the seizure and advised business owners to acquire relevant licences while members of the public should desist from evading the paying of customs duty to avoid unnecessary conveniences.

The truck, which was towing two trailers, is registered under Capstone Company, a South African firm based in Johannesburg.

It was stopped by police from Bulawayo Central Traffic along Plumtree Road and when confronted for documents, the driver failed to produce any. Despite being told to drive to the nearest police station, the driver opted to head for the Wood Liquor warehouse in the Belmont Industrial area.

"We followed the truck to the warehouse in Belmont and when the truck driver spotted our officers approaching, he immediately drove inside the premises and locked police out," said Asst Insp Msebele.

Eventually, police managed to gain entry into the property, searched the warehouse and unearthed a consignment of alcohol inside.

"Our officers asked for the relevant documents and none were produced by the authorities at the warehouse. We then called officials from the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority and the Bulawayo City Council," said Asst Insp Msebele. Investigations are ongoing.