Major crackdown on illicit liquor manufacturing in Umhlali and Gauteng
Major crackdown on illicit liquor manufacturing in Umhlali and Gauteng! In a major breakthrough against illicit liquor operations, Umhlali Police, in collaboration with the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Counterfeit Contraband and Illicit Goods Unit, have successfully dismantled an illegal liquor manufacturing factory that had been supplying counterfeit alcoholic beverages to multiple outlets in Ballito.
Factory Busted in Umhlali
According to provincial police spokesperson, Captain Alex Thomson, the operation led to the arrest of a 36-year-old business manager and the seizure of counterfeit and illegal liquor valued at R1.5 million.
The illegal operation was discovered on a secluded farm along the R104 road in Umhlali, where law enforcement officials found a fully equipped facility with heavy machinery used for distilling, mixing, and packaging alcohol.
During the raid, authorities confiscated:
- 26,000 sachets of locally branded liquor
- Over 60 crates filled with unbranded alcohol sachets
- Several boxes of counterfeit liquor
- Five 1,000-litre containers of ethanol
- A delivery vehicle transporting ethanol, which was also seized
Captain Thomson emphasized that this operation was part of a wider effort to combat counterfeit goods that pose serious health risks to consumers.
Illicit liquor manufacturing
Authorities Welcome the Arrest
Speaking on the success of the raid, ILembe District Police Commissioner, Major General Anthony Gopaul, commended the multi-disciplinary team for their hard work.
“We are hoping that the impact of this operation will be seen in the reduction of our contact crimes and the reduction of alcohol abuse in the ILembe District, which has been very visible in the last year,” said Gopaul.
The arrested suspect is expected to appear in the KwaDukuza Magistrates’ Court soon, where they will face charges related to the illegal manufacturing and distribution of alcohol.
Similar Raid in Gauteng
The Umhlali bust follows another similar raid in Gauteng last week, where police uncovered an illicit alcohol manufacturing facility in Westonaria, in the West Rand.
During this operation, police arrested nine foreign nationals who were allegedly involved in the counterfeit liquor trade.
Authorities raided a warehouse that had been transformed into a secret liquor manufacturing plant, where popular whiskey, brandy, and vodka brands were being produced and bottled without licenses.
Police arrested:
- Two Taiwanese nationals
- Six Malawians
- One Mozambican
The counterfeit alcohol seized from the Westonaria operation was valued at an estimated R1 million.
The Dangers of Counterfeit Alcohol
Counterfeit alcohol is a growing concern in South Africa, as it is often made with toxic chemicals and industrial-grade ethanol, which pose serious health risks. Consumption of these illegal beverages can lead to blindness, liver damage, and even death.
Police have urged consumers and liquor outlets to be cautious and report any suspicious liquor sales.
Crackdown on Illicit Liquor Continues
Authorities have vowed to continue the crackdown on illegal liquor production, with further investigations and raids expected.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) has assured the public that efforts will remain relentless in ensuring that counterfeit alcohol manufacturers are brought to justice.
