Key Points:
- Police dismantled an illegal liquor factory in Umhlali, seizing R1.5 million in counterfeit alcohol.
Police confiscated 26,000 sachets and over 60 crates of illicit alcohol.
- Authorities arrested nine foreign nationals in a similar operation in Gauteng last week.
In a significant operation targeting illicit liquor production, Umhlali Police, working alongside the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Counterfeit Contraband and Illicit Goods Unit, have dismantled a factory illegally producing counterfeit alcoholic beverages. The facility, located in Umhlali, was reportedly supplying the illicit alcohol to various outlets in Ballito.
Police Operation Leads to Major Seizure
Captain Alex Thomson, a provincial police spokesperson, confirmed the operation. It led to the arrest of a 36-year-old business manager and the seizure of counterfeit liquor worth R1.5 million.
The police operation took place on a secluded farm along the R104 road in Umhlali. Authorities discovered a fully equipped facility with heavy machinery used for distilling, mixing, and packaging alcohol. During the raid, law enforcement officials confiscated a significant amount of counterfeit and illegal liquor. It included 26,000 sachets of locally branded liquor, over 60 crates of unbranded sachets, several boxes of counterfeit products, and five 1,000-litre containers of ethanol. Police also seized the delivery vehicle used to transport the ethanol.
Impact of the Operation on Local Crime
Major General Anthony Gopaul, the ILembe District Police Commissioner, expressed appreciation for the collaborative efforts of the multi-disciplinary team. He noted the potential impact of the operation. He stated, “We hope that the impact of this operation will reduce contact crimes and decrease alcohol abuse in the ILembe District, which has been a concern in the past year.”
The police expect the arrested suspect to appear in the KwaDukuza Magistrates Court to face charges related to manufacturing and distributing illicit liquor.
Another Crackdown in Gauteng
In a related operation, authorities arrested nine foreign nationals last Thursday in Westonaria, West Rand, Gauteng, after discovering another illegal alcohol manufacturing facility. Police raided the warehouse and uncovered a disturbing operation producing counterfeit whiskey, brandy, and vodka without the necessary licenses. The operation resulted in the arrest of two Taiwanese nationals, six Malawians, and one Mozambican.
