WESTERN CAPE – An intelligence-driven operation by the Gugulethu Crime Prevention Unit has led to the discovery of an illicit liquor manufacturing facility and the arrest of five suspects in the township. The raid, conducted on Wednesday at a residence in NY108, forms part of ongoing efforts to combat illegal liquor production and drug trafficking in the region.
Upon arriving at the address following actionable intelligence, officers found four males and one woman inside the property. A subsequent search of the house revealed small containers, labels, sealed boxes containing liquor bottles, and specialized equipment used in the manufacturing and packaging of liquor. Further investigation uncovered large containers filled with mixed chemicals utilized in the production process.
The five suspects, aged between 19 and 50 years, were arrested for manufacturing illicit liquor in contravention of Section 32(1) of the Western Cape Liquor Act 4 of 2008. They are scheduled to appear at the Athlone Magistrate’s Court once formally charged.
In a separate operation in Valhalla Park, Bishop Lavis, members attached to Operation Lockdown 3 arrested two male suspects during stop-and-search operations. Police pulled over a suspicious vehicle, and as officers approached, one of the occupants threw a plastic bag from the car. The bag was recovered and found to contain 92 full mandrax tablets.
The two male suspects, aged 45 and 55, were apprehended for possession of drugs. They will appear at the Bishop Lavis Magistrate’s Court once charged.
Both operations highlight continued law enforcement focus on illegal liquor manufacturing and narcotics distribution in the Western Cape, with authorities relying on community intelligence and targeted policing strategies to disrupt criminal networks.
