A 36-year-old manager of a liquor manufacturing business was arrested in a police raid on the Glendale Road (P104) outside Shakaskraal last Friday.

The operation, conducted by Umhlali Police in collaboration with the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Counterfeit Contraband and Illicit Goods Unit, led to the seizure of allegedly counterfeit and illegal liquor worth about R1.5-million.

During the raid, police confiscated over 26 000 sachets of locally branded liquor, more than 60 crates filled with unbranded sachets and several boxes of allegedly counterfeit vodka.

Additionally, five 1 000-litre containers of ethanol, a key ingredient in the manufacturing process, were seized. A delivery truck transporting the ethanol was also impounded.

The business, renting premises on a farm along the R104, was equipped with heavy machinery used to distil, mix and package liquor.

The police said the operation supplied liquor to multiple businesses in the Ballito area.

The manager has been charged with the manufacturing and distribution of illicit liquor. He appeared in the KwaDukuza Magistrates’ Court on Monday and will remain in police custody until his next court appearance.

iLembe district police commissioner, Major General Anthony Gopaul, commended the joint police operation.

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