The customs authorities in Mozambique have seized just more than 300 boxes of smuggled chicken on the Ressano Garcia border with neighbouring South Africa.

The boxes were hidden in a container. They had entered the country without paying the custom duties, according to an official.

Maputo provincial director of customs Leonel Vasco said the importers had violated other rules apart from not paying taxes.

Mozambique was to lose $4,173(£3,200) in tax charges.

The country imports food from South Africa and importers have often tried to escape paying customs duties.