A Chinese national has been arrested after a joint operation uncovered more than 6 000 litres of suspected fake alcohol at a liquor store in Eerste River.

Officers from the police’s Counterfeit Unit, together with the Liquor Authority, the South African Revenue Service (SARS) and the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), conducted a raid on the premises as part of Operation Prosper on Tuesday, 26 May at approximately 10:00.

Export market

Investigators found the alcohol — believed to be counterfeit and intended for export — and confiscated a total of 6 201 litres of various liquor products, with an estimated street value of R3,5 million. All items were booked in as exhibits. The shop owner, a Chinese national, was arrested on the scene and detained at Kleinvlei Police Station. He is expected to make his first court appearance at the Blue Downs Magistrate’s Court.

Police spokesperson Thembakazi Mpendukana confirmed the details of the operation.

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