The two Pakistanis did not reveal the purpose of the money but said
they were going to Zimbabwe to update their residence permits in
Mozambique since their diplomatic representation is based there.
Police spokesman in Manica Province, Pedro Jamusse, told the
broadcaster that this is the first ever apprehension of such large sums
of money after Machipanda boarder became notorious for illegal foreign
currency transits.
\"This is a huge apprehension, it’s a lot of money and we are still
investing where it (the money) is coming from and its final
destination. So far we have beefed up joint security operation to
protect the money now in the hands of the customs department and the
ministry of finance," Jamusse said.
Mozambique only allows a maximum of US$5000 to go through its boarders,
ports and airports and undeclared money reverts to state coffers upon
seizure.
Television footages showed the US$100 packs of notes starched into an old sack in the boot of a light five-seat vehicle.
Machipanda boarder post has in the recent past became the hive of
foreign-currency business trading centre as thousands of desperate
Zimbabweans flock to Manica and Chimoio to buy groceries, which are far
cheaper than those found across in Zimbabwe.
Zimbabweans have swamped shops in Manica and Chimoio where basic commodities, including fuel, are loaded onto trucks.
APA-Maputo (Mozambique)
Post published in: News