Police in northern Zambia intercepted a truck that was carrying eight prohibited immigrants, a spokesperson said on Sunday.

Police Spokesperson Esther Mwaata-Katongo said the truck was intercepted at a police checkpoint late on Saturday in the matter suspected to be human trafficking.

She said that the Tanzania-registered truck was carrying hand bags, suite cases and laptops.

"The illegal immigrants were detected under the trailer in a hidden compartment and are believed to be Ethiopians," she said the statement.

The named suspects are detained in custody and the truck has been impounded, she added.