Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA) says it is concerned with the tendency of some business people who smuggle goods into the country.

This has been said following the seizure of 43 motorbikes in Lilongwe.

Head of Corporate Affairs for MRA, Steven Kapoloma said the motor cycles were seized through their Flexible Anti-Smuggling Team (FAST) because of non -payment of customs.

“We realized that there is an influx of motorcycles in the country hence we had to carry out the operations,” he said.

Kapoloma said it is worrisome that up to date some citizens are still avoiding tax which helps in different developmental works for the country.

He stressed that they are conducting sensation campaigns on the dangers nonpayment of customs duty so that the public is aware of the implications.

Kapoloma stressed that this is a serious crime and it calls for serious fines and penalties to the owners.

He has therefore urged all motorcycles owners in the country to check their status with MRA and FAST offices in their areas to pay duty and avoid any inconveniences.

Average value for each seized motorcycle is K150, 000 attracting duty of K60, 000 and the estimated duty tax to be recovered from the motorcycles is 2.5million Kwacha.