The Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) has seized a truckload of Konyagi alcohol, which was deliberately misclassified as building materials with intent to defraud the State of K729,820.

In a statement released, Monday, ZRA corporate communications manager Topsy Sikalinda revealed that the truck, which was destined for Lusaka, would have paid K43,698 instead of K729,820 if the alcohol was cleared as hardware.

“The ZRA has seized a truckload of Konyagi alcohol, which was deliberately misclassified as building materials with intent to defraud the state of K729, 820. If the alcohol was cleared as hardware, it would have paid K43,698 instead of K729,820. The truck, which initially did not want to pass through the scanner, was forced to pass through the scanner after alert customs officers suspected something wrong with the paperwork,” Sikalinda narrated.

“After the containerized truck passed through the scanner, it was discovered that the declared building materials were in fact alcohol. The truck, which was destined for Lusaka, has since been detained and issued with a seizure notice.”

He said the Authority also intercepted four trucks with ethanol worth K3 million in taxes, which was declared as empty bottles in Kapiri Mposhi in transit.

“In another related incident, the Authority at Kapiri Mposhi customs enforcement centre has intercepted four trucks with ethanol (90 per cent pure alcohol) worth K3 million in taxes, which was declared as empty bottles in transit,” Sikalinda stated.

He noted the ethanol smuggling was on the rise leading to the manufacturing of illicit alcohol.

“The Authority has noted that ethanol smuggling is slowly on the rise leading to the manufacturing of illicit alcohol popularly known as Tujili-jili or Junta. ZRA will carry random and extensive inspections on all individuals and businesses suspected to be involved in tax evasion through the manufacturing of illicit alcohol,” stated Sikalinda.

“The continuous review of importation procedures for ethanol, which is used to manufacture illicit alcohol, will protect the vulnerable youths who are more prone to the abuse of illicit drugs and alcohol. Smuggling of goods through false declarations, transit fraud, misclassifications, under-declarations, and under-valuations is a serious offence and offenders will be dealt with in accordance with the law.”