In a significant crackdown on illicit liquor operations, Umhlali Police, in collaboration with the KwaZulu Natal Provincial Counterfeit Contraband and Illicit Goods Unit, have dismantled an illegal liquor manufacturing factory that was reportedly supplying counterfeit alcoholic beverages to multiple outlets in Ballito.
Provincial police spokesperson, Captain Alex Thomson, said the operation culminated in the arrest of a 36-year-old business manager and the seizure of counterfeit and illegal liquor valued at R1.5 million.
Thomson said the operation unfolded on a secluded farm along the R104 road in Umhlali, where law enforcement officials discovered a well-equipped facility containing heavy machinery used for distilling, mixing, and packaging liquor.
During the raid, Thomson added that a staggering 26,000 sachets of local branded liquor, over 60 crates filled with unbranded sachets, several boxes of counterfeit liquor, and five 1000-litre containers of ethanol were seized. In an additional twist, the delivery vehicle transporting the ethanol was also confiscated.
Meanwhile, Major General Anthony Gopaul, the ILembe District Police Commissioner, expressed gratitude for the multi-disciplinary team’s efforts.
““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 that has been very visible in the last year,” he said.
The suspect is set to appear in the KwaDukuza Magistrates Court soon, facing charges related to the manufacturing and distribution of illicit liquor.
In a similar operation, last week Thursday, nine foreign nationals were arrested in Westonaria in the West Rand in Gauteng following the discovery of an illicit alcohol manufacturing facility.
Police raided the warehouse and unearthed a disturbing operation that was churning out counterfeit alcoholic beverages valued at an estimated R1 million.
The police action revealed that popular whiskey, brandy, and vodka brands were being manufactured and bottled without the requisite licences.
Police arrested two Taiwanese nationals, six Malawians, and one Mozambican during the raid.
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