Over R11 000 worth of counterfeit alcohol was seized from a pub on Stella Road, in Newholmes during a joint security operation on Thursday. Four boxes of counterfeit Smirnoff 1818 Vodka were seized, along with 34 additional bottles of counterfeit alcohol, estimated to be worth R11 885. The bottles were being sold at the pub for around R125 each.
The raid, carried out by members of Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), Crime Intelligence and Magma Security, took place at 10 am on Thursday. Morning customers walked around nearby, bottles in hand, trying to find out why the doors remained closed. Members of the DPCI and Crime Intelligence carried boxes of counterfeit alcohol to a vehicle for transport to the counterfeit goods warehouse.
A source toldThe Witnessthat they had received complaints from the community regarding the sale of counterfeit alcohol and acted on the information. The operation was conducted as part of efforts to eradicate counterfeit alcohol in the area. “We carried out an operation investigating the allegations, and thereafter applied for a search warrant, which was executed today [Thursday],” said the source.
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Pub employees guarding the doorway threatenedThe Witnessphotographer and journalist in isiZulu, warning them not to take any pictures or publish the story. “An investigation is ongoing and no arrests have been made at this stage,” said Hawks spokesperson Warrant Officer Sibu Ncane.
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