15.78 Kilograms of Gold Worth 3.4 Billion TZS Seized at the Port During Smuggling Attempt

 

Minister of Minerals, Anthony Mavunde, has announced the seizure of 15.78 kilograms of gold at the port while it was being smuggled.

Mavunde made this announcement on September 11, 2024, in Dar es Salaam during a press briefing.

“Our country has several productive sectors, including mining, which are crucial for our economic development. Therefore, we cannot tolerate individuals involved in smuggling activities that deprive the government of revenue,” said Mavunde.

“These 15.78 kilograms of gold, valued at approximately 3.4 billion TZS at today’s rates, will now be forfeited by the smugglers. The government will revoke their licenses if convicted and place them on a blacklist, preventing them from holding any mining-related licenses in Tanzania,” Mavunde added.

Regarding the ongoing investigation, Mavunde revealed that the suspects claimed the gold was being transported from Dar es Salaam to the Zanzibar Islands.

Mavunde explained that investigations and interrogations of the suspects are ongoing, and once completed, the suspects will be prosecuted.

Additionally, Mavunde praised the efforts of the task force dedicated to preventing mineral smuggling in collaboration with other security agencies.

The Minister urged businesspeople to abandon smuggling activities as they undermine the government’s efforts to enhance the country’s economic growth.