Police have busted a major illicit alcohol manufacturing syndicate operating in Msasa Industrial area, arresting two foreign nationals and seizing bottling machines, a distillation tanker, boiler, separator and thousands of bottles of counterfeit vodka, spirits and wine.
Gan Chen (52) and Peng Yujun (52) were taken into custody following a raid on the clandestine operation, which authorities say posed a serious public health risk to unsuspecting consumers.
National Police Spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the arrest saying investigations were still underway.
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“The suspects are being charged with contravening the Harmful Liquids Act, Chapter 9:10, the Foods and Food Standards Labelling Regulations, the Factory and Works Act, Chapter 14:08, the Environmental Management (Control of Hazardous Substances) Act and the Shop Licensing Act, Chapter 14:17,” he said.
The illicit distillery was well-equipped with industrial-grade equipment, suggesting large-scale production and distribution across the capital.
Police recovered several illicit substances, including purported vodka, spirits and wine, alongside the manufacturing machinery used to produce the dangerous concoctions.
The arrest follows intensified police operations against illegal alcohol manufacturers, which have been blamed for a spate of poisonings, blindness and even deaths in recent years.
Authorities have warned the public to be wary of suspiciously cheap alcohol products circulating on the market, urging consumers to purchase only from licensed retailers.
The suspects are expected to appear in court soon as police continue their investigations into the distribution network.
