Malawi's Tobacco Commission and Police Seize Four Tonnes of Smuggled Tobacco

In a significant operation to curb illegal tobacco trade, the Malawi Police, in collaboration with the Tobacco Commission, have detained two trucks carrying a total of four tonnes of suspected smuggled tobacco. The trucks were intercepted en route to Zambia and Mozambique.

On May 16, 2024, a two-tonne truck carrying flue-cured tobacco was confiscated in Mchinji at Mkanda, suspected to be heading to Zambia. Another two-tonne truck transporting burley tobacco was seized in Namitete, believed to be bound for Mozambique.

Telephorus Chigwenembe, the Tobacco Commission's spokesperson, confirmed the seizures and emphasized the ongoing efforts to monitor and prevent illegal tobacco trade in all three regions of the country. "Several trucks carrying tobacco have been intercepted while attempting to leave the country," Chigwenembe stated.

This crackdown is part of a broader effort to combat illegal tobacco trade in Malawi, aiming to protect the country's economy and ensure that tobacco exports are conducted legally and sustainably. President Lazarus Chakwera has voiced concerns over the illegal cross-border tobacco trade, noting that it deprives the country of foreign exchange earnings.

In addition to the recent seizures, 447 kilogrammes of tobacco were confiscated from a businessperson in Rumphi District who is suspected of buying the crop without a license. Four weeks prior, police intercepted a truck carrying 48 bales of flue-cured tobacco in Mchinji, which was about to be smuggled out of the country.

The Tobacco Commission has been actively monitoring the tobacco market, especially during the selling season. As of the fourth week of the season, 30 million kilogrammes of tobacco valued at $81 million have been sold at an average price of $2.70 per kilogramme.

Chigwenembe expressed surprise at the rising cases of smuggling despite attractive tobacco prices. "As we can see, tobacco prices are attractive in the selling floors. We don't see the reasons for farmers to be tempted to smuggle it. They will lose their investment because we continue confiscating all tobacco being sold illegally," he said.

Key Takeaways

• Malawi Police and Tobacco Commission detain 2 trucks carrying 4 tonnes of suspected smuggled tobacco.
• Tobacco worth $81 million sold at an average price of $2.70 per kilogramme in 4 weeks.
• 447 kg of tobacco confiscated from unlicensed businessperson in Rumphi District.
• President Lazarus Chakwera concerned about illegal tobacco trade depriving country of foreign exchange earnings.
• Tobacco Commission and Police intensify efforts to combat illegal tobacco trade and protect the industry.