Police Crack Down On Illegal Liquor Manufacturing Operation Worth R1.5m

A joint operation by Umhlali Police and the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Counterfeit Contraband and Illicit Goods Unit has led to a major crackdown on illegal alcohol manufacturing in the region.

The operation, which took place in the Umhlali Policing Precinct, resulted in the seizure of counterfeit and illegal liquor worth 1.5 million rand and the arrest of a 36-year-old business manager.

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Massive Seizure Of Counterfeit Liquor And Equipment

During the operation, law enforcement officers uncovered a large-scale illicit liquor manufacturing facility operating on a secluded farm along the R104 road in Umhlali.

Authorities seized over 26,000 sachets of locally branded liquor, over 60 crates of unbranded liquor sachets, numerous boxes containing counterfeit alcohol, and five large 1,000-liter containers of ethanol used in the production process.

A truck delivering ethanol was also confiscated during the raid.

The operation revealed that the business had been distilling, mixing, and packaging alcohol using heavy machinery on the premises.

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The operation was supplying illegal liquor to various businesses in the Ballito area, including counterfeit branded alcoholic drinks.

Arrest Made In Connection T o Illicit Liquor Manufacturing

The 36-year-old arrested man, identified as the business manager of the illegal operation, was arrested on charges of manufacturing and distributing illicit liquor.

He is expected to appear in the KwaDukuza Magistrate’s Court.

Impact Of Crime And Alcohol Abuse In ILembe District

The ILembe District Police Commissioner, Major General Anthony Gopaul, commended the efforts of the multi-disciplinary team involved in the operation.

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He expressed hope,noting, the operation would lead to a decrease in contact crimes and alcohol abuse in the ILembe District.

This is as crime and alcohol abuse, has seen a noticeable rise in such incidents in recent years.

The Major General tasked the Police officers continued efforts to disrupt illegal alcohol manufacturing businesses in order to ensure a safer and healthier community for residents.

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