DAR ES SALAAM, May 25 (NNN-DAILYNEWS) — THE Tanzanian government has thwarted an attempt to smuggle diamonds valued at over 635,000 US dollars, equivalent to 1.7bn/- through Mwanza Airport.
The announcement was made by the Minister of Minerals, Anthony Mavunde, during a press briefing on the four-year performance review of President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s administration in the mining sector. Mavunde stated that the diamonds were seized on May 18 after being discovered hidden in four bags.
“At around 1:00 p.m., security officers, in collaboration with the relevant authorities, uncovered an attempt to smuggle diamonds weighing 2,729.82 carats and valued at 635,847.66 US dollars.
The diamonds were concealed in four bags by an individual of Indian origin who intended to export them without proper permits or following legal procedures,” the Minister said.
He said his ministry’s deep concern over the incident, stressing that the smuggling of national resources poses a serious threat to the country’s economy and will not be tolerated under any circumstances.
“Let it be remembered that mineral smuggling is a criminal offense that deprives the nation of revenue and significantly undermines social and economic development,” he emphasized.
The Tanzanian government has reiterated its commitment to taking stern action against all illegal activities related to national resources, while strengthening oversight and regulatory systems within the mining sector. — NNN-DAILYNEWS
