AN aggressively executed anti-smuggling campaign has generated more than US$9 million in collections and intercepted contraband ranging from vehicles and medical supplies to tombstones, according to the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra).
“The intercepted consignments included vehicles, medical supplies, household goods, tombstones ... These achievements demonstrate the growing impact of technology-driven enforcement,” Zimra said in its 2025 annual report.
The disclosures expose the lengths to which traders are going to evade duties in one of the region's most heavily-taxed jurisdictions.
Smugglers continue to torment border authorities in a scourge that officials fear could be costing the fiscus millions of dollars annually.
The seizure of tombstones highlights the evolving nature of illicit trade as changing consumer preferences and exposure to international markets drive demand for imported funeral products and memorial materials.
This week, Zimra said technology-assisted surveillance was helping to turn the tide.
According to the authority, the anti-smuggling project, launched in 2024, delivered significant results during 2025.
“The project has continued to deliver tangible results with respect to safeguarding revenue and protecting legitimate trade,” the report said.
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“The initiative recorded 299 notices of seizure and receipts for items held,” it added.
Cumulative collections since the project’s inception reached ZiG202,96 million, equivalent to approximately US$7,8 million using the official exchange rate of 25,98 as at December 31, 2025, as well as US$1,19 million collected directly in foreign currency.
In addition, the total duty value of goods detained or seized amounted to ZiG97,11 million and US$2,25 million.
“Since its launch in 2024, cumulative collections have reached ZiG202,96 million and US$1,19 million, and the total duty of goods under detention/seizure amounted to ZiG97,11 million and US$2,25 million underscoring its growing impact in curbing illicit trade, disrupting smuggling networks, strengthening compliance and protecting legitimate businesses,” the report said.
The findings come at a time when formal retailers, manufacturers and wholesalers have complained about the influx of smuggled products entering the domestic market without paying duties and taxes.
Business groups argue that illegally-imported goods create an uneven playing field by allowing smugglers to undercut compliant businesses that bear the full cost of taxation and regulation.
Initially deployed at Beitbridge, Plumtree and Forbes border posts, drone operations were extended to Chirundu and Nyamapanda during the period, while Zimra’s surveillance and monitoring command centre became fully-operational.
“A total of 368 drone-assisted interceptions were recorded, representing a 44% increase from interceptions in 2024, reflecting the programme’s expanded footprint and improved operational effectiveness,” the report said.
Zimbabwe has for years battled widespread smuggling through its major border posts, particularly along routes linking the country to South Africa, Mozambique and Zambia.
Authorities estimate that illicit trade costs the fiscus millions of dollars annually through unpaid customs duties, VAT and other taxes, while exposing legitimate businesses to unfair competition.
The anti-smuggling campaign forms part of Zimra's broader strategy to improve compliance, enhance border security and boost domestic revenue collection as government seeks to strengthen public finances under a vexing econonic climate.
Zinra says the expansion of technology-driven enforcement is improving intelligence gathering and operational responsiveness at borders.
"These achievements demonstrate the growing impact of technology-driven enforcement in securing revenue, strengthening border security, and promoting compliance," it said.
