Scottburg, KwaZulu-Natal - Four people were arrested when KwaZulu-Natal police raided an illegal alcohol producer in KwaCele, near Scottburgh, on Wednesday.
Officers conducting routine patrols in Amandawe stopped and searched two men in a Toyota Hilux bakkie at 3am, spokesman Colonel Vincent Mdunge said.
In the bakkie they found 1032 750ml bottles of Smirnoff vodka packed in 86 cartons. Although the bottles appeared to be new, they were not factory sealed.
The two led police to a couple in KwaCele, from whom they had bought it for R31 050. A further two cartons of the alcohol were found in a shack on the couple's premises.
Police established that water in 25 litre containers was mixed with concentrated alcohol in 210 litre drums to make a concoction which was then passed off as vodka. This was filled into the 750ml bottles and the bottle cap and ring stuck together with super glue.
A glue gun was used to seal the boxes the bottles were packed in. Police confiscated a total of 1056 bottles.
“The two men have been charged with being in unlawful possession of a prohibited concoction and the KwaCele couple have been charged with dealing in a prohibited concoction,” Mdunge said.
The couple could face further criminal charges as the investigation progressed.
“Police would like to caution the public to beware that they do not buy or consume illicit liquor as it may not be safe.”
The four were expected to appear in the Scottburgh Magistrate's Court soon. - Sapa