The Minister of Trade, Sosten Gwengwe, has revealed that his ministry is considering the deployment of Malawi Defense Force (MDF) soldiers to act against the smuggling of goods on the country’s borders.

“We are meeting MDF and MPS next week to see how best they can help us because some traders are becoming mafias. We want to deal with the vice for once and for all,” Gwengwe said. The call comes amidst the sugar industry blaming losses on smuggled sugar, the beverage (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) bemoaning smuggling of beverages and informal maize exports also being reported.

On the other hand, the Malawi Confederation of Chambers of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (MCCCI) Head of Membership Development and Communications, Tione Kafumbu, commented that while security is being tightened in the country’s borders, there is also need to encourage exports.