LUSAKA, Zambia – Zambian police have arrested two Chinese nationals and confiscated nearly 30kg of gold and US$200,000 in cash that had been smuggled from Zimbabwe.
The gold, weighing 29.9kg and valued at approximately US$2.3 million, was concealed within hidden compartments of a Zimbabwe-registered Toyota Land Cruiser Prado, with the smuggling operation being uncovered during an intelligence-led investigation.
Zambian police spokesperson Rae Hamoonga identified the arrested individuals as Zhao Yanjing, a female, and Zhao Changson, a male. The pair were apprehended on August 12 after crossing into Zambia from Zimbabwe through the Chirundu border post.
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“Acting on reliable intelligence, our officers intercepted the suspects on suspicion of carrying precious stones,” Hamoonga said. “Upon a thorough search of their vehicle, police discovered a significant amount of cash along with the 29.9kg of gold hidden within the vehicle’s door panels.”
The police operation marks a major success in ongoing efforts to combat smuggling across regional borders, with investigations still ongoing to determine further links and collaborators.
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