Suspect due in court after R4.5m in fake alcohol seized at Taylor’s Halt home

A 38-year-old suspect is expected to appear in the Pietermaritzburg Regional Court on May 22 after millions of rands worth of counterfeit alcohol were seized during a raid in Taylor’s Halt earlier this year.

The February operation was carried out by the Hawks and other law enforcement agencies at a luxury residence in Mafakatini. Authorities uncovered counterfeit alcohol worth an estimated R4.5 million, including fake versions of popular brands such as Smirnoff Vodka, Old Buck Dry Gin, Belgravia London Dry Gin, and Gordon’s Russian Bear.

According to Hawks spokesperson Warrant Officer Sibu Ncane, officers also confiscated specialised equipment used in the illegal manufacturing process.

“Our investigation has led to the identification of a suspect who has since been summonsed to court,” said Ncane.

KwaZulu-Natal’s Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation head, Major General Dr Lesetja Senona, praised the officers involved for their efforts in tackling counterfeit operations.

In response to the bust, the KwaZulu-Natal Economic Regulatory Authority (KZNERA) issued a stern warning to counterfeit alcohol producers, urging them to cease operations immediately and adhere to liquor licensing laws.

“These illegal activities not only violate liquor laws but also pose significant risks to public health and undermine legitimate businesses,” said interim CEO Portia Baloyi.

Baloyi added that counterfeit alcohol often contains harmful substances, which can cause severe illness, organ damage, or even death. The lack of ingredient verification and safety standards makes the consumption of such products especially dangerous.

She also emphasised that producing or distributing illicit alcohol carries serious legal consequences and urged consumers to only purchase liquor from licensed outlets. While KZNERA does not specialise in detecting counterfeit goods, it encourages the public to report any suspicious alcohol sales to law enforcement.

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Sourced:The Witness

Picture: News 24