On Friday, 5 April 2024, Hawks from Durban Serious Commercial Crimes Investigation, Pietermaritzburg Serious Commercial Crimes Investigation, Alliance Against Counterfeit Spirit, Pietermaritzburg Public Order Policing and Customs responded jointly to information of illegal manufacturing of liquor in Pietermaritzburg.

On Tuesday, 2 April 2024, Hawks members from Durban Serious Commercial Crimes Investigation received information from Customs of a consignment of suspected counterfeit Smirnoff bottle caps that had been imported into South Africa from China. An application was made in court for a controlled delivery of one of the boxes in the consignment.

On Friday, 5 April 2024, the police received information that the box was delivered to Newlands East in Durban. The police spotted the vehicle that was mentioned and followed it to a warehouse in the Mkondeni area in Pietermaritzburg with the assistance of the surveillance unit, the premises were then searched and two illicit manufacturing labs of illicit Smirnoff were discovered.

Approximately R10 000000-00 stock and equipment were seized by police. Twelve suspects aged between 22 and 58 were arrested and charged with illicit manufacturing of liquor and contravention of the Counterfeit Goods Act 37 of 1997.

They are due to appear in the Pietermaritzburg Magistrate court on Monday, 8 April 2024.

The KwaZulu-Natal Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation Provincial Head, Major General (Dr) Lesetja Senona commended and thanked the members for the good work. He further echoed that illegal manufacturing has serious implications for human life.

Enquiries: Warrant Officer Sibu Ncane

0721823288