Zimbabwe Police Raid Harare Counterfeit Alcohol Factory, Seize US$ 1 Million in Contraband
The Zimbabwe Republic Police have arrested four foreign nationals and 42 workers after raiding an illicit alcohol manufacturing plant in Southerton, Harare. Equipment and counterfeit liquor valued at over US$ 1 million were recovered.
Delicious Mathuthu 
Harare — Zimbabwean police have dismantled a major counterfeit liquor manufacturing operation in the capital, arresting four foreign nationals and dozens of factory workers during a raid that yielded over US$ 1 million in contraband and equipment.
The raid, executed on June 16 by the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), targeted an industrial facility located along Brodie Avenue in the Southerton suburb of Harare.
In a statement, national police spokesperson, Commissioner Paul Nyathi, said the operation was being used to manufacture several illicit and counterfeit brands of popular spirits, including Bouncer Vodka, Kitoko Brandy, Challenger Gin, 8PM Whisky, Royal 69 Liquor, Sixer Banana Spirit and Ice Cane Spirit.
In addition to the four unnamed foreign nationals heading the operation, police detained 42 factory workers at the site.
Authorities stated the employees were operating without mandatory food handlers' medical certificates and lacked appropriate protective clothing required under local labour and health statutes.
"The arrest led to the recovery of substantial quantities of ethanol, blended alcoholic products, bottling and packaging equipment, storage tanks and packaging materials," said Commissioner Nyathi.
"The total value of the seized equipment, products, and raw materials is estimated to be over USD 1 million," he said.
He also said law enforcement will crack down on any such unlawfull operations.
"The Zimbabwe Republic Police warns individuals and companies against engaging in the unlawful manufacture, distribution, and sale of foodstuffs and alcoholic beverages which do not meet statutory health and safety standards," Commissioner Nyathi said.
The ZRP has urged citizens to report any suspected counterfeit manufacturing or unsafe food and beverage processing operations to the National Complaints Desk or local police stations.
The four foreign nationals are expected to appear in court to face formal charges related to the illegal manufacture of harmful substances, violations of the Food and Food Standards Act and potential immigration infractions.
