Malawian authorities are searching for at least nine people who staged a fake funeral procession to smuggle charcoal in a hearse, police and forestry officials confirmed on Monday.
The scheme was uncovered when officers acting on an anonymous tip stopped the vehicle at a roadblock in Chikwawa, around 40 km south of Blantyre. Inside, they found an empty coffin concealing approximately 30 large bags of charcoal valued at 3 million Malawian kwacha (£1,300).
Chikwawa district forestry officer Hector Nkawihe said those found guilty could face up to five years in prison or substantial fines. The suspects were initially detained but escaped custody, leaving the impounded hearse behind.
“They face two charges of illegal possession of forestry products and transportation of the same,” Nkawihe said. A police spokesman confirmed the suspects remain at large and have not yet been charged.
Charcoal smuggling is a pervasive issue in Malawi, contributing to rampant deforestation. The widespread reliance on charcoal for cooking, exacerbated by frequent electricity blackouts, fuels the illegal trade.
