By Alexis Chilumbwe Mansa Municipal Council has intensified operations against illegal liquor trading and confiscated approximately 70 bottles of illicit beer from five traders operating around Down UB Market in an area commonly known as Isambo Lyamfwa. The operation, conducted through the Council Police Unit, forms part of the local authority’s ongoing efforts to promote public health, maintain order and ensure compliance with laws regulating the sale and distribution of intoxicating liquor within the district. Among the confiscated items were 48 bottles of the locally brewed illicit beer commonly known as Kachasu, packaged in Mojo bottles, eight bottles of Bull beer and 14 bottles of Mr. Chief beer. According to the council, the suspects’ activities contravened the Liquor Licensing Act No. 2 of 2011, the Public Health Act Cap 295 of the Laws of Zambia and the Local Government (Street Vending and Nuisances Amendment No. 2) Regulations of 2018. The five suspects have since been detained for selling intoxicating liquor in an undesignated area and for trading in the illicit local brew Kachasu, which authorities say poses serious health risks because of its unsafe and unregulated production processes. Joel Norman Kashi warned members of the public against engaging in the illegal sale and distribution of illicit beer and other intoxicating substances in undesignated places. “The Local Authority remains committed to safeguarding the health and welfare of residents through continued enforcement operations and regular inspections across trading places within the district,” Kashi said. He further urged members of the public to cooperate with law enforcement agencies by reporting individuals involved in illegal liquor trading and related unlawful activities. “I wish to remind offenders that such offences attract penalties including fines, imprisonment and confiscation of the illicit products. The confiscated items shall be disposed of in accordance with Section 355 of Cap 88 of the Laws of Zambia,” he said. Kashi added that the council remains committed to creating a clean, safe and law-abiding trading environment for residents and businesses in the district.