Drugs worth N$11.9 mln seized at border post
NamRa strengthening compliance
The consignment was seized from a truck which entered Namibia from Botswana, following the non-intrusive inspection scanning process.
On 16 April 2022, parcels containing cannabis, crack cocaine and mandrax tablets, valued at N$11.9 million were seized at the Trans Kalahari Border Post.The consignment was seized from a truck which entered Namibia from Botswana, following the non-intrusive inspection (NII) scanning process and analysis by the customs officials at the border.
The images revealed that part of the load differed from what was declared in the document. A subsequent physical inspection uncovered 19 boxes that were not part or the declared consignment, containing prohibited drugs.
Over 300 parcels of cannabis valued at N$10.7 million, together with crack cocaine worth N$39 thousand and more than 10 thousand mandrax tablets valued at N$1.2 million dollars were seized.
Owing to the close cooperation between NamRA and the Namibian Police (NAMPOL), a sting operation was carried under the leadership of NAMPOL and 14 suspected dealers were arrested.
The seven vehicles used by the suspects to collect the illicit drug were also seized during the operation.
In the past two weeks, NamRA collected close to N$1 million in administrative penalties for undervalued and undeclared goods, coupled with incidents of false declarations.
Additionally, three trucks with trailers valued at N$4.9 million have been detained, subject to further Police investigation on suspicion of being smuggled into the country.
More than eight thousand pieces of various undeclared goods worth over N$351 000 have been seized, resulting from several enforcement operations targeting the illegal trade of pharmaceutical products, wines and spirits and unlicensed minerals.
Some of NamRA core functions are the protection of society, facilitation of legitimate trade while ensuring that goods exported from and imported into Namibia are legal and duly cleared in accordance with the provisions of the Customs and Excise Act 1998.
The agency is determined to improve its role in facilitating legitimate trade, whilst at the same time enhancing the protection of society and the Namibian borders against the importation exportation of illicit goods.
All traders are encouraged to strictly comply with the customs law during the exportation and impartation of goads. NamRA has a zero tolerance to non-compliance.