CAPE TOWN – A major illegal alcohol manufacturing operation has been shut down in Durbanville after Metro Police discovered more than 2 000 litres of homemade gin being produced at a property in Zebra Street.
Five suspects, aged between 18 and 39, have been arrested in connection with the operation, which involved counterfeiting popular alcohol brands and potentially putting public health at serious risk.
The bust happened on Monday after concerned residents reported suspicious activity to the Public Emergency Call Centre (PECC). Metro Police Neighbourhood Safety Officers responded to the tip-off and gained permission to search the property. What they found shocked investigators: 11 large drums filled with homemade gin, a machine used to distill alcohol, and bottles of two popular alcohol brands being filled and packaged with the counterfeit liquor to imitate legitimate products. The operation was clearly designed to fool consumers into believing they were buying genuine branded alcohol, when in fact they were purchasing potentially dangerous homemade spirits.
Multiple arrests made
Three men and two women were arrested at the scene and face charges of illegal manufacturing of alcohol, contravention of the Counterfeit Goods Act, and possession of presumed stolen property. The homeowner, identified as a Chinese national, was arrested at a later stage. All suspects are expected to appear in the Bellville Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday. The scene has been handed over to Durbanville police for further investigation, while the confiscated liquor has been sent for forensic analysis.
Serious health risks highlighted
JP Smith, Mayco member for safety and security, praised the swift action by Metro Police but warned of the serious dangers posed by counterfeit alcohol. “Counterfeit alcohol is extremely dangerous and often contains toxic substances which can lead to severe health issues and even death,” said Smith. “I applaud the NSOs for their swift action in this regard.”
Police spokesperson Sergeant Wesley Twigg said the discovery would serve as a stepping stone to uncover more illegal operations. “The discovery of this plant will be used as a stepping stone to uncover more illegal manufacturing plants in this illicit industry,” he said.
Wider investigation underway
The bust comes as authorities continue to crack down on the illegal alcohol trade, which has been linked to numerous health scares and deaths across the country. Durbanville police have opened a comprehensive investigation into the operation, with detectives working to determine the full extent of the illegal manufacturing network and how long it had been operating. The authorities are particularly concerned about the sophisticated nature of the counterfeiting operation, which involved replicating the packaging and branding of legitimate alcohol products.
Public urged to report suspicious activity
Officials are calling on the community to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity that could indicate illegal operations. Residents can report concerns to the Public Emergency Call Centre on 021 480 7700 or 107 from a landline.
The case highlights the important role that community members play in helping law enforcement tackle illegal activities that threaten public safety. Smith emphasized that the success of this operation demonstrates how effective tip-offs from concerned residents can be in shutting down dangerous illegal operations.
The investigation continues as authorities work to ensure that all those involved in the illegal manufacturing network are brought to justice.
