On 11 November 2025, an intelligence-driven operation was conducted targeting an illegal liquor manufacturing site in Linda Mnomiya, Umlazi. The operation revealed that individuals were allegedly mixing ethanol with water and bottling it as Smirnoff for sale to the public.
Upon arrival at the premises, officers found the main target caught in the act of mixing the components used to manufacture counterfeit liquor. Several exhibits were seized, including:
● 5 × 25L containers of pure ethanol
● 4 × 5L containers of pure ethanol
● 6 × 750ml bottles of diluted ethanol (falsely branded as Smirnoff)
● 7 × empty Smirnoff bottles
● 1 × cellphone
● Bottle caps and other packaging materials
● Additional equipment and containers used for manufacturing and distribution
The total estimated value of the seized items is R73,200.00.
The Durban Metro Police Service Drug Team, together with Counter Narcotics KZN, DPCI Port Shepstone, and SAPS EITT, successfully dismantled the operation.
Well done to all units involved for their excellent teamwork and commitment in removing illegal and harmful substances from our communities.
Enforcement targeting an illegal liquor manufacturing site in Linda Mnomiya, Umlazi. https://t.co/YytmGPDrtD#ArriveAlive #Crime @DBNMetroPolice pic.twitter.com/ATDg6ZaI3J
– Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) November 12, 2025
