By Burnett Munthali
Police in Likoma District have arrested several businesspeople suspected of smuggling fuel into Mozambique.
Speaking to the media, the district police spokesperson, Enala Kaluwa, confirmed the arrests, stating that officers acted on a tip-off from concerned citizens.
Kaluwa emphasized that law enforcement officers are conducting further investigations to identify and apprehend all individuals involved in fuel smuggling.
She revealed that among those arrested are fuel owners as well as casual laborers hired to transport the fuel across the border.
The police have warned others engaged in similar illegal activities to desist, as fuel smuggling negatively affects both the local economy and national development.
This is not the first time such incidents have been reported in Likoma, as similar cases have occurred in the past.
Previously, authorities stopped people from transporting fuel drums from Likoma to Nkhata Bay after suspecting they were involved in smuggling operations.
Likoma District lacks a formal fuel station, forcing residents to source fuel from Nkhata Bay and resell it on the island.
This situation has created a black market for fuel, making it difficult for authorities to regulate sales and prevent illegal cross-border transactions.
Police have assured the public that they will continue to monitor the situation and take action against anyone found violating the law.
As investigations continue, authorities have urged the community to report any suspicious activities that may contribute to fuel smuggling.
The crackdown is part of a broader effort to ensure that all business activities in Likoma operate within the confines of the law.
