The Malawi Police Service (MPS) has arrested two Zambian nationals and impounded two vehicles that they were using in smuggling tobacco out of Malawi.
National Police Spokesperson Peter Kalaya has confirmed the arrest and identified the two as Lingson Phiri 51 and Fredrick Lungu 45, from Chipata and Chipangali Districts respectively in Zambia.
According to Kalaya the suspects were arrested on Wednesday, 8 May 2024 at Kavumbi Village, TA Santhe in Kasungu and were using a 10 tonne truck, registration number DA 10700 and a Nissan Tiida, registration number SA 7133.
They were found with 37 bales and 35 loose sacks of tobacco weighing 6155 Kgs suspected to have been illegally purchased around TA Santhe in Kasungu.
The two have been charged with _purchasing tobacco without a license_ which is a crime under the Tobacco Act.
The Service warns that it will not hesitate to arrest and bring to book any trader or farmer found attempting to smuggle tobacco or any other crop out of Malawi.
MPS further wishes to inform farmers and traders that it is enforcing the government-set farm-gate prices. Those found purchasing farm produce at prices below the set prices will be arrested and prosecuted.
