Two individuals were arrested Saturday after police intercepted a vehicle carrying counterfeit liquor valued at R105,000 in the Free State province. The arrests are part of ongoing efforts to combat the growing illicit alcohol trade in South Africa.
Counterfeit Liquor Seizure
A 24-year-old male and a 22-year-old female were taken into custody after officers discovered several boxes of fake alcohol during a vehicle search. Police stated the suspects were unable to provide valid invoices or account for the origin of the merchandise.
The operation, described as intelligence-driven, took place on Saturday at approximately 3 p.m. along the N6 highway, between Queenstown and Bloemfontein. Officers successfully stopped a Toyota Hilux suspected of transporting illegal contraband.
Members of the provincial anti-gang unit made the arrests as part of a broader crackdown on counterfeit goods. Police stated, “In a decisive blow against the illicit trade of counterfeit goods, members of the provincial #AntiGangUnit apprehended two suspects and seized a significant haul of counterfeit liquor on Saturday.”
The suspects are expected to appear in the Bloemfontein magistrate’s court soon, facing charges of possession of counterfeit goods.
Growing Illicit Alcohol Market in South Africa
The arrest comes amid increasing concerns about the scale of the illegal alcohol trade within the country. Recent research by the Drinks Federation of South Africa and Euromonitor International indicates the illicit alcohol market has grown by 55% in volume since 2017.
In 2024, the illicit alcohol market reached 773,000 hectolitres, accounting for approximately 18% of all alcohol sold in South Africa. The market is valued at more than R25 billion annually, resulting in an estimated loss of R16.5 billion in unpaid excise duties for the government each year.
Authorities have previously uncovered large-scale illicit alcohol operations. Last year, two Taiwanese nationals were arrested following the discovery of an illegal alcohol manufacturing plant in Westonaria.
During that raid, police seized counterfeit whisky, brandy, gin, and vodka worth an estimated R1 million, including large quantities stored in 11,250-litre drums. Chemicals believed to be used in the manufacturing process were also discovered. The facility was reportedly producing, bottling, and packaging illegal alcohol, some of which carried labels of well-known brands.
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