THE outlawed highly-intoxicating spirits commonly known as Tujilijili have resurfaced in Mpika and Government has directed an immediate crackdown on the illegal trade.

Muchinga Province Deputy Permanent Secretary Jewis Chabi directed police and the local authority to combat the illegal trade and consumption of the illicit beverage.

Mr Chabi said in an interview yesterday that the illegal importation of the banned alcohol would not be allowed.

"Any form of beer matching Tujilijili is not allowed as long as they are packaged in the same sachets.

"We are engaging the police and council immediately to search traders stocking and selling the banned product. We will ensure they are brought to book," he said.

Mr Chabi said traders in the banned alcohol did not have valid documents to import the product into the country.

In Mpika, the 35 per cent alcoholic volume alcohol branded Konyagi, packaged in a 100 millilitre (mls) sachet, was being sold at KR5 (K5,000).

It is a product of Tanzania Distilleries Limited.

"Even if the beer was allowed, Government is losing revenue and away from revenue, the issue is illegal," he said.

He said a similar product was spotted in Nakonde after being imported from Malawi but alert security officers swiftly moved in to curb the smuggling of the banned product into Zambia.

"These products are sold on the streets by some vendors and they are coming from Nakonde after being smuggled into the country by some people and mostly truck drivers," said a marketeer who did not want be identified.

In Kapiri Mposhi, the banned alcohol, Kallu Mama with 37.5 per cent alcoholic volume and packaged in 60 mls sachets was being sold at the main trading market at KR3 (K3,000).

The Government banned the beer last year amid a massive public outcry.