A covert counterfeit alcohol operation was brought to an abrupt end on Tuesday as police stormed a facility in Klaarwater, Marianhill, seizing R250,000 worth of fake vodka and arresting one suspect.
The Provincial Organised Crime Unit (Narcotics), working alongside the Provincial Drug and Firearm Unit and the Provincial Counterfeit Goods Unit, launched the intelligence-led raid after receiving a tip-off about an illegal alcohol production site.
What they uncovered was a fully operational counterfeit vodka manufacturing setup, believed to be distributing fake liquor under the guise of well-known brands.
“The production of counterfeit alcohol is not only a financial crime but also a serious health risk to the public,” said a senior police official. “This arrest is a crucial step in dismantling a dangerous operation.”
The arrested suspect is expected to face multiple charges, including the manufacture and distribution of counterfeit goods, a crime that carries significant penalties under South African law.
Authorities are continuing their investigation, with police indicating that more arrests could follow as they work to track the supply chain and distribution network behind the illicit operation.
This bust forms part of a broader clampdown on the illegal alcohol trade, which has been on the rise in the region, especially in the wake of tightened regulations and rising demand for cheap liquor.
Public health experts warn that counterfeit alcohol can contain toxic ingredients, posing severe health hazards, including blindness and death.
Officials are urging consumers to remain vigilant and report any suspicious alcohol sales to authorities.
