Authorities Nab 8, Seize Over 4, 000 Litres Of Fuel In Illegal Vending

Eight individuals have been arrested in Lusaka and surrounding areas, for illegal fuel vending, leading to the seizure of approximately 4, 695 litres of the commodity worth over K153,526.

This follows raids conducted on suspected illegal fuel vending sites, by the Joint Task Force on Illegal Fuel Vending, comprising law enforcement agencies and Energy Regulation Board (ERB), led by Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC).

Sites raided include Mukwa Road-Industrial area, Katanga Road-Industrial area, off Katanga Road-Industrial area, Matero Compound, Nampundwe Junction in Lusaka West, Chifwema – Sinoma Cement area, Chongwe, Shimabala, and Six Miles areas.

In a joint statement, DEC Public Relations Officer, Allan Tamba and ERB Manager-Public Relations Namukolo Kasumpa, said the operation, which commenced on Wednesday 23rd October 2024 and continued until the morning of Thursday 24th October 2024, was aimed at curbing illegal fuel vending activities and safeguard the interests of consumers.

“During the operation, a total of eight individuals were apprehended, including one suspected prohibited immigrant, for offences related to illegal fuel vending. All suspects are currently detained in police custody and are awaiting formal charges.”

“During the operation, officers seized approximately 4,695 litres of fuel worth over K153,526.00. Other articles seized include 20 drums and 30 x 20 litre containers, four pumps, 5 x 10 litre containers, a generator set and one tanker truck-which was found with pipes, giving an indication that fuel was being siphoned from it. The tanker truck was also seized,” the duo stated.

Mr. Tamba and Mrs. Kasumba noted that illegal fuel vending undermines national revenue through tax evasion, and jeopardizes engine performance on the vehicles due to substandard contaminated fuel.
They added that the vice also poses significant public safety risks due to improper storage, potentially leading to fires, loss of life and property.

“The Joint Task Force on Illegal Fuel Vending will remain resolute and committed to eradicating illegal fuel vending in the country.”

“We strongly urge petroleum consumers to purchase petroleum products from licensed service providers as these are regularly monitored by the ERB for safety and fuel quality compliance and to report any suspicious fuel vending activities to the Drug Enforcement Commission, the ERB or other Law Enforcement Agencies,” they added.