On Thursday, 07 March 2024, EThekwini District SAPS office received information from the KZN Liquor and Agriculture Boards of a group of people manufacturing illicit alcohol from a warehouse in the Ottawa area in Verulam.
Ethekwini Infrastructure Task Team (EITT) immediately created a joint operation with the KZN Liquor and Agriculture Boards and mobilized members to tactically swoop on the illegal distillery.
The team proceeded to the identified warehouse in the Ottawa area, appearing as a creative shop fitting service.
During the operation members found several drums containing Ethanol chemicals, on questioning the owner of the warehouse, he failed to account for it.
The suspect an Indian male aged 64 years old was arrested and a total of 12000 litres of Ethanol chemicals was seized, with an estimated value of one million rand.
He was arrested on charges of Operating an Illegal Micro Distillery, Unlawful Possession of Ethanol and Contravention of the Liquor Act.
EThekwini District Commissioner, Major General Makhozazana Victoria Kheswa commended the good team work in removing dangerous substances used to make illegal alcohol, which could harm potential consumers.
She also emphasized that alcohol should only be purchased from a legalized bottle store to ensure consumer safety.
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