An illegal distillery producing counterfeit liquor has been shut down in Jeppe, Johannesburg, following a police raid that uncovered fake liquor worth more than R3.5 million.
Authorities confirmed the seizure during a joint operation led by the Gauteng Highway Patrol, the Provincial Organised Crime Unit, and the Johannesburg Metro Police Department’s K9 Unit. Acting on intelligence, officers stormed the premises and found an elaborate setup for producing fake whiskey, vodka, and gin.
Suspicious liquor license sparks investigation
The operation began when officers encountered a man claiming to be the owner. He presented a liquor license registered to a business based in Mpumalanga, which raised red flags.
“Following a search of the property, the team discovered the manufacturing and production of whiskey, vodka and gin, including the reprint of counterfeit labels and packaging,” said police spokesperson Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi.
Authorities discovered large volumes of counterfeit liquor stock and sophisticated equipment used to mimic well-known liquor brands. According to police, the estimated R3.5 million in seized goods includes potential tax losses due to unpaid excise duties.
Six arrested, Hawks and SARS take over case
Police arrested six individuals at the scene, including the man who claimed ownership and five others believed to be employees of the illegal operation. They are charged with fraud, manufacturing counterfeit liquor, and tax evasion.
“The South African Revenue Service (SARS) Customs division and Directorate of Priority Crime Investigations (DPCI) were called to take over the scene and investigations,” Nevhuhulwi confirmed.
The suspects are expected to appear in court soon and face formal charges. Meanwhile, the police have warned consumers to be cautious about the source of alcoholic products, especially as counterfeit liquor poses health and safety risks.
How confident are you that the alcohol you purchase comes from a legal and safe source?
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