Illegal Liquor Manufacturing Plant Busted in KZN, 36-Year-Old Business Manager Arrested
KwaZulu-Natal police have successfully dismantled an illegal liquor manufacturing plant in Umhlali, seizing counterfeit alcohol worth R1.5 million. The raid, conducted by the Umhlali Police alongside the KZN Provincial Counterfeit Contraband and Illicit Goods Unit, led to the arrest of a 36-year-old business manager suspected of running the illegal operation.
Major Raid in Umhlali
Captain Alex Thomson, spokesperson for KZN police, confirmed that law enforcement officials confiscated:
- Over 26,000 sachets of locally branded liquor
- More than 60 crates filled with unbranded liquor sachets
- Several boxes of counterfeit alcoholic beverages
- Five 1,000-litre containers of ethanol, a key ingredient used in the manufacturing process
Additionally, a delivery truck transporting ethanol was seized during the raid. The illicit operation was discovered on a secluded farm along the R104 road in Umhlali, equipped with heavy machinery for distilling, mixing, and packaging liquor.
Fake Alcohol Sold in Ballito
Authorities revealed that the illegal liquor plant was supplying counterfeit alcohol to multiple businesses in Ballito and surrounding areas, including branded alcoholic drinks. The suspect was charged with manufacturing and distributing illicit liquor and will appear in the KwaDukuza Magistrate’s Court soon.
Authorities Applaud the Arrest
iLembe District Police Commissioner, Major General Anthony Gopaul, praised the operation, stating that it would help combat alcohol-related crimes and reduce contact crimes in the district.
This latest raid follows a similar Gauteng police bust in Westonaria last week, where two Taiwanese nationals were arrested for running a fake liquor manufacturing plant valued at R1 million. Employees at the facility alleged they were held against their will and forced to work excessive hours.
Authorities have urged businesses and consumers to remain vigilant when purchasing alcoholic beverages, as counterfeit liquor poses serious health risks.
Also read: Budget Speech 2025: Alcohol and Cigarette Prices Set to Rise
