By Everson Luhanga
Authorities have uncovered a secret operation making, bottling, and packaging illegal alcohol on a plot in Hekpoort on the West Rand in Gauteng.
The Johannesburg Metro Police Department’s (JMPD) Tactical Response Unit and the South African Police Service’s (SAPS) Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation shut down the illegal distillery on Wednesday, 24 July.
JMPD spokesperson Xolani Fihla said they acted on a tip-off.
When officials arrived at the site, they met a 45-year-old man who said he was the manager and part-owner of the business.
A search of the property revealed a sophisticated setup producing whiskey, brandy, gin, and vodka, along with fake labels and packaging.
The South African Revenue Service (SARS) Customs Division took over the scene.
“R570,000 in cash was seized, along with machinery and alcohol worth an estimated R20-million. The suspect was arrested and taken to Hartbeespoortdam SAPS,” said Fihla.
Pictured above: The machinery that manufactured and bottled illicit alcohol.
Source: JMPD
