Illegal alcohol production site discovered in Jeppe

Six suspects were arrested after the police uncovered an illegal alcohol manufacturing operation in Jeppe on June 30.

According to Gauteng police, the joint operation was led by the Gauteng Highway Patrol and the Provincial Organised Crime Unit, working alongside the JMPD’s K9 Unit.

The team acted on intelligence received regarding a suspected illicit alcohol operation.

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On arrival at the premises, officers were met by a man who identified himself as the business owner.

He presented a liquor licence, which the officers later discovered belonged to a different establishment in Mpumalanga.

A thorough search of the property led to the discovery of equipment and stock used to manufacture counterfeit whisky, vodka and gin.

In addition to the illicit alcohol, officers also seized a large quantity of packaging material, including fake labels, caps, and bottles resembling well-known liquor brands.

“The estimated value of the alcohol and equipment seized, including South African Revenue Service (SARS) duties, is about R3.5m,” police confirmed in a statement.

The alleged owner and five employees were immediately arrested at the scene.

The SARS Customs Division and the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigations (Hawks) were called in to take over further investigation.

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Acting provincial commissioner of the SAPS Gauteng, Major General Mbuso Khumalo, commended the multidisciplinary effort.

“I applaud the swift collaboration in shutting down this illegal operation. The sale of illicit alcohol poses serious health risks to consumers,” said Khumalo. He also urged residents to purchase alcohol only from legal and licensed outlets.

Investigations into the full extent of the operation and possible links to broader counterfeit networks are ongoing.