Illegal micro-distillery

Production of counterfeit alcohol discontinued in Katlehong. Photo: SAPS/ Facebook.

Illegal micro-distillery shut down in eKasi [pics]

Eleven suspects, of which ten are suspected to be foreign nationals, were arrested for running an illegal micro-distillery in the township

Illegal micro-distillery

Production of counterfeit alcohol discontinued in Katlehong. Photo: SAPS/ Facebook.

An illegal micro-distillery producing counterfeit alcohol spirits was shut down in one of the townships in Gauteng today, Tuesday, 6 September.

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ILLEGAL MICRO-DISTILLERY DISCONTINUED IN THE EAST RAND

“The endeavours of the police in Gauteng continue to yield positive results as they have shut down an illegal micro-distillery and arrested eleven suspects,” said Colonel Dimakatso Sello, the police spokesperson.

The team consisting of members from Crime Intelligence, Provincial Investigation Unit, Ekurhuleni Trio Task Team, SAPS Katlehong, DPCI, Immigration Officers and Brand Protectors acted on information about a group of people manufacturing illicit alcohol in Katlehong.

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Counterfeit spirits being packaged at the illegal micro-distillery. Photo: SAPS/ Facebook.

THE LOCATION OF THE BREWERS DISCLOSED

Reports suggest that these suspects were busted at Mandela Zone 4 in Katlehong.

“During the operation, illicit liquor with an estimated street value of R5 000 000 was discovered.”

Sello

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She added that eleven suspects, of which ten are suspected to be foreign nationals were arrested.

“The suspects will be processed by the Department of Home Affairs. The suspects will be charged with operating an illegal micro-distillery, contravening the Liquor Act and unlawful possession of ethanol,” she explained the charges.

POLICE PLEAD FOR TIP-OFFS TO NABB MORE SUSPECTS

Sello further said that the concerted efforts of the teams involved are commendable and appreciable.

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“The public is urged to continue working together with police in the fight against crime by reporting any criminal activities on the Crime Stop Line 08600 10111 or leave anonymous tip-offs on My SAPS App which can be downloaded on any smartphone. All information received will be treated as strictly confidential,” she concluded.