Attempts to smuggle tortoises, de@d snakes, and scorpions into Zambia for sale on the black market in Angola have landed a 19-year-old Tanzanian national in legal trouble. The individual, Hamadj Ramadhani, was apprehended by the Department of Immigration for his unlawful stay in the country.
Ramadhani’s illegal entry into Zambia, along with the aforementioned items, led to his capture by the Kapiri Mposhi Immigration Office. According to a statement issued by immigration public relations officer Namati Nshinka, Ramadhani was arrested on Thursday, December 12, at the Luanshimba Checkpoint while aboard a Chavuma-bound public service bus.
During routine checks, Ramadhani failed to provide any documentation to legalize his stay in Zambia. This prompted immigration officers to search his luggage, where they found various species of wildlife, some of which were de@d. The contraband included approximately 85 tortoises, 25 spiders, 150 scorpions, and seven de@d snakes, stored in lunchboxes, socks, and perforated water bottles.
“Preliminary investigations suggest that the wildlife species were likely smuggled into Zambia from Tanzania, with the intention of further smuggling them into Angola,” Nshinka said. “However, their exact origin remains unclear and requires further investigation.”
The case has been reported to the Department of National Parks and Wildlife for further action. Nshinka also disclosed that, between December 11 and 12, 2024, the Department of Immigration apprehended 66 individuals for various immigration offences nationwide, secured 25 convictions, and deported 31 illegal immigrants from the country.
