S*x toys worth K36,600 seized, destroyed by revenue authority

The Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) has destroyed 52 pieces of s*x toys worth K36,600 which were intercepted at Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport on Wednesday.

The toys were intercepted by ZRA Customs from travellers who arrived at Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport and were subjected to random routine inspections.

The exercise followed an Order of Destruction of the assorted s*x toys as guided by the Livingstone Magistrate Court.

ZRA Corporate Communications Manager, Oliver Nzala, who confirmed the development in a statement on Wednesday said the 52 pieces were valued at K36,600.

The destruction of the toys which was conducted at the Livingstone University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) was witnessed by officers from the ZRA, Zambia Police, Judiciary and Livingstone City Council.

Nzala said ZRA viewed the importation of s*x toys as illegal.

He said the importation of the toys into the country was prohibited under Section 40(1)(b)(f)(g) and 40(2) of the Customs and Excise Act (CAP 322) of the Laws of Zambia read together with Regulations 22 (2) and 22(3)(c) of the Customs and Excise (General) Regulations 2000 (Statutory Instrument No. 54 of 2000).

“The Customs and Excise Act prohibits the importation into Zambia of goods which, in the opinion of the Minister, are indecent, obscene or objectionable. These are s*x pleasuring tools used for unaccompanied sexual pleasure going against the order of nature,” said Nzala.

“On the other hand, it is criminal to import such materials under Section 177(1)(a)(b)(c) and (d) of the Penal Code. As you may be aware, ZRA enforces laws on behalf of other government agencies”, he said.

Nzala said that when found, such goods were liable to seizure and the couriers are subjected to criminal prosecution.

“I would like to take this opportunity to encourage all travellers wishing to come to Zambia to acquaint themselves with goods which are restricted or prohibited when being imported into Zambia. Restricted goods would require an import permit while prohibited ones cannot be allowed at all” he said.

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