KEY POINTS
- The KZN Police force broke down an illegal alcohol factory while taking possession of counterfeit alcohol valued at R1.5 million.
- A 36-year-old person became the subject of arrest after police found him manufacturing and distributing illegal liquor products.
- The operation concentrates on decreasing alcohol abuse and contact crimes through ILembe District.
A collaborational operation between KwaZulu Natal Provincial Counterfeit Contraband and Illicit Goods Unit and Umhlali Police resulted in the dismantling of an illegal Ballito outlet supply network producing counterfeit alcoholic beverages.
A 36-year-old business manager received arrest for his involvement. The business manager was arrested during this operation while authorities confiscated counterfeit liquor that amounted to R1.5 million.
The district police operated on a secluded farm situated on the R104 road in Umhlali and found a production facility equipped with distilling equipment and mixing technology and packaging machinery, which KZN Police dismantled.
Seized goods while KZN Police dismantled the facility
Police authorities in their raid confiscated five 1000-liter ethanol containers together with 26,000 sachets of locally produced liquor along with over 60 unbranded sachets along with several boxes of false liquor products. The delivery vehicle together with its ethanol cargo became police property during the raid.
Impact on the community
Major General Anthony Gopaul praised the multi-disciplinary team for their successful work through his statement as ILembe District Police Commissioner. The impact of this operation will decrease contact crimes and alcohol abuse throughout ILembe District according to the law enforcement officials.
Legal proceedings
Expectations indicate the suspect will stand trial at KwaDukuza Magistrates Court regarding manufacturing and distribution of unlawful alcoholic beverages.
KZN Police perfomed similar operation in Gauteng
The Gauteng police force carried out another operation which resulted in nine foreign nationals getting arrested after discovering an unlicensed alcohol production site in Westonaria.
The authorities conducted a search of the warehouse where they discovered illegally manufactured and unlicensed counterfeit whiskey brandy and vodka brands.
The police arrested the nine individuals comprising two Taiwanese nationals and six Malawian nationals along with one Mozambican national during their raid.
