READ: Police Raid Uncovers Illicit Alcohol Operation in Midrand

South African police arrested two suspects after discovering an illicit alcohol manufacturing and distribution facility in Midrand on August 6, 2025.

The operation was initiated by the Gauteng Highway Patrol Unit following a tip-off from a member of the public regarding suspicious activities at a local property.

Authorities seized a large quantity of counterfeit alcohol, including varieties such as brandy, gin, rum, and vodka, some of which bore labels mimicking established brands.

The confiscated items, valued at approximately R2 million, consisted of bottled products ready for distribution as well as bulk liquids stored in containers. Chemicals believed to be used in the production process were also recovered during the raid.

A 36-year-old man was apprehended at the site, while a 70-year-old man was detained shortly afterward. The pair, identified as father and son, face charges related to dealing in illicit liquor, violating the Liquor Act, and breaching the Customs Act. They are scheduled to appear in the Midrand Magistrate's Court.

The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation assisted in processing the scene.

This raid is part of a series of enforcement actions against the illicit alcohol sector in South Africa during 2025. Similar operations include a June 30 bust in Jeppe, Johannesburg, where six suspects were arrested and counterfeit alcohol worth R3.5 million was seized.

In Muldersdrift on June 17, authorities shut down an illegal liquor lab and arrested one individual. Earlier incidents involved arrests in Westonaria of two Taiwanese nationals operating an illicit plant, and in March, a 36-year-old was detained for manufacturing counterfeit liquor valued at R1.5 million. Bloemfontein saw six foreign nationals arrested for counterfeit goods, including alcohol.

The illicit alcohol market has expanded significantly, growing by 55% in volume between 2017 and 2024. Approximately 18% of all alcohol consumed in the country is illicit, representing nearly one in five drinks sold.

This underground trade is valued at R25.1 billion and resulted in R16.5 billion in lost tax revenue in 2024 alone. Factors contributing to this growth include high taxation on legal alcohol, with about 38% of the price of a typical beer bottle going toward taxes.

Illicit products pose health risks, as they are unregulated and potentially contain harmful substances. An estimated 500 million liters of illegal alcohol are consumed annually in South Africa.