The Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA) has intercepted 146 bags of Indian Hemp following a speed chase of a 5-tonne Isuzu lorry in Blantyre.

Head of Corporate Affairs Steven Kapoloma said the lorry, registration MHG 4906, was intercepted on Sunday, 15th November 2020.

Kapoloma said the lorry, belonging to Mr. Frederick John Chiuja from Mangochi, had passed through the MRA roadblock at Lirangwe without stopping for inspection.

He said this raised suspicion and prompted a speed chase of the lorry by MRA officers who were accompanied by Police Officers.

“The lorry then turned into a dirt road towards Machinjiri and our officers and the Police continued the chase. The Police then fired into the air and that is when they abandoned the lorry,” he said.

Kapoloma said the team called for assistance and upon inspection of the lorry, they found 146 bags of Indian Hemp.

He said the Authority has handed over the Indian Hemp to South Lunzu Police Station who have since delivered the illicit drug to Ndirande Police Station.

“This is not the first time for MRA to intercept Indian Hemp. Apart from collecting revenue, it is also our mandate to protect Malawians from the importation of prohibited goods which pose a health risk,” Kapoloma said.