An elderly man has been arrested after fake alcohol worth millions was found at a warehouse in Verulam, KwaZulu Natal. The police in the province say they received information from the KZN Liquor and Agriculture Boards about a group of people manufacturing illicit alcohol from a warehouse in the Ottawa area in Verulam.

FAKE ALCOHOL WORTH MILLIONS

KZN police spokesperson Captain Carmen Rhyness said the eThekwini Infrastructure Task Team immediately created a joint operation and mobilised members to tactically swoop on the illegal distillery. "The team proceeded to the identified warehouse appearing as a creative shop fitting service. During the operation, members found several drums containing Ethanol chemicals," Rhyness said. She said on questioning the owner of the warehouse, he failed to account for it. The 64-year-old suspect was arrested and a total of 12 000 litres of Ethanol chemicals was seized. "He was charged with operating an illegal micro distillery, unlawful possession of Ethanol and contravention of the Liquor Act," she said. The alcohol is estimated at a street value of R5 million.

PROVINCE VULNARABLE BECAUSE OF THE BORDERS

KZN MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs Siboniso Duma said the province was vulnerable because of neighbouring countries with busy ports of entries. "The counterfeit alcohol is imported through Mozambique, Swaziland and Lesotho and sold at below-market prices. This has cost the South African government more than R11 billion in lost tax revenue," he said, adding that as the government, they remain worried about potential job losses and the health risks of those who consume the illicit alcohol. "Counterfeit alcohol can cause permanent blindness and cause other risks such as vomiting, abdominal pain, drowsiness and dizziness and nausea," Duma added.