Metro Police shut down fake alcohol operation in Durbanville

Metro Police Neighbourhood Safety Officers (NSOs) uncovered an illegal alcohol production facility in Durbanville on Monday, January 5. 

JP Smith, the mayoral committee member for safety and security,  said the officers discovered a "primitive bottling setup" at around 1:30pm, following a tip-off from the community, where counterfeit alcohol was being produced and packaged using fake labels.

Six foreign nationals were caught at the scene and claimed to be working for a Chinese national, Mr Smith added.

Officials warned that counterfeit alcohol poses serious health risks, as it often contains toxic substances such as methanol, which can cause blindness or death, as well as industrial chemicals, including isopropanol and acetone. Consumption of such substances can lead to severe organ damage and, in some cases, death.

Mr Smith said police were called to the scene for further investigation.

"We can confirm that the alcohol was seized. The matter was handed over to the South African Police Service for further investigation. They would be best placed to provide information on the suspects who were taken into custody."

However, police spokesperson Constable Ndakhe Gwala referred queries from Northern News back to the City of Cape Town.