(Ecofin Agency) - In Zambia, the Energy Regulation Board (ERB) has arrested 30 suspects alleged to have been involved in illegal fuel deals in Lusaka.

The suspects were captured in the course of a raid performed by the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) and the Zambia Police Service in the industrial area.

According to ERB executive director, Langiwe Lungu, several items used in selling fuel was also apprehended.

"In collaboration with the DEC and the police, the ERB conducted raids on illegal fuel vending sites in Lusaka last month where 30 suspected illegal fuel vendors were apprehended and their various items used in trading seized”, Langiwe Lungu said.

She added that ERB had associated with other Government security agencies in order to improve the implementation of the law .She noted that this was subsequent to the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the board and other Government agencies including the DEC, Road Transport and Safety Agency and the Zambia Environmental Management Agency.

The Executive Director, said the company has also concluded preparations to deploy fuel marking programmes which will ensure enhanced monitoring of fuel quality by the use of a bio-chemical marker. The programme is to be executed as soon as legislative provisions are in place, Times of Zambia reports.