A joint operation carried out by the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department’s (JMPD) Tactical Response Unit and the police’s Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation unit on July 24 led to a major illegal distillery bust in Hekpoort.
According to police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi, they received a tip-off about a distillery on a plot in Hekpoort and went to the site to carry out an operation.
“The officers arrested a 45-year-old man who claimed to be the manager and shareholder of the business,” she said.
“The police would then search for the property and uncovered an operation that was producing whiskey, brandy, gin, and vodka, complete with counterfeit labels and packaging. In addition to the alcohol they also found R570 000 in cash, along with machinery and alcohol valued at around R20 million.”
