The Agricultural Marketing Authority (AMA) and the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) have confiscated more than 15,600 kilograms of illegally traded sesame seeds since the start of the 2026 buying season.
The joint crackdown is targeting a sophisticated smuggling syndicate transporting the lucrative cash crop into Mozambique through illegal border points, particularly from the Mbire district.
The operation also aims to stamp out side-marketing and expose people or businesses purchasing sesame without valid AMA licences.
The seized haul, weighing exactly 15,658kg and valued at approximately US$11,400, has already been auctioned off in accordance with standard legal enforcement procedures.
The multi-agency task force intercepted the illegal shipments in three major raids this month. On 17 May in Mbire, officials seized 1,692kg of sesame valued at US$1,185.
Five days later, on 22 May, authorities recovered 4,800kg of the crop worth US$2,880 in Chiredzi. That same day, a further 9,166kg shipment, valued at US$7,332, was intercepted in Mbire.
In addition to the confiscations, authorities issued five compliance fines totalling US$5,000 to offenders operating outside the legal regulatory framework.
AMA chief executive Alice Mapfiza has warned that the authority will maintain zero tolerance towards illegal buying, side marketing and smuggling throughout the marketing season.
She added that anyone found buying sesame seeds without AMA registration risks prosecution, confiscation of produce and penalties under the governing regulations.
Despite the illicit activity, legitimate trade is gathering momentum across the country.
Latest data recorded by the AMA reveals that licensed contractors and buyers have purchased 465,843kg of sesame, injecting roughly US$372,674 into the agricultural economy.
The regulatory body has urged farmers to deal exclusively with registered and licensed buyers to protect themselves from financial exploitation, contract disputes, and severe financial losses.
More: The Herald
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