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Zambia tightens security along borders to curb maize smuggling

Xinhua, March 23, 2016 Adjust font size:

Authorities in Zambia say they have tightened security on routes along the border with Mozambique and Malawi in an effort to curb maize smuggling.

Eastern Province Permanent Secretary, Chanda Kasolo, said a task force had been formed to check the border routes following food shortages in neighboring countries, according to the Zambia News and Information Service.

The authorities had also engaged security agencies to enhance border patrols and would arrest those attempting to smuggle maize out of the country, the official said.

Smuggling of maize in the province has reached alarming levels due to a "huge market" in Mozambique and Malawi, he added.

Zambia has in recent weeks intercepted trucks loaded with maize being smuggled to neighboring countries.

A joint report issued by United Nations agencies last month indicated that 14 million people in southern Africa would be food insecure due to poor rains in the last two seasons. Endit