Police Arrest 46 Suspects After Raid on Illegal Alcohol Brewery in Harare
A major police operation in Harare’s Southerton industrial area has resulted in the arrest of 46 people following the discovery of an alleged illegal alcohol manufacturing facility producing alcoholic beverages using ethanol.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) said the suspects include 42 Zimbabwean nationals and four foreign nationals who were allegedly involved in the operation.
Also Read: Two Arrested in Bulawayo Over Illegal Alcohol Brewing Operation
Illegal Production Facility Uncovered
Authorities descended on the premises during a raid that exposed what investigators believe was a large-scale illicit liquor manufacturing operation.
Investigations at the site uncovered sizeable ethanol storage tanks, packaging materials and quantities of finished products that were allegedly destined for distribution across the market.
The premises remain under police guard as investigations continue.
Health Concerns Raised
ZRP National Spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said preliminary findings indicate that the suspects were producing and marketing alcoholic beverages under the guise of wines and spirits while allegedly using ethanol that had not been approved by relevant authorities.
He expressed concern over both the substances being used and the conditions under which the products were being manufactured, warning that consumers could have been exposed to serious health risks.
According to police, the facility’s production environment failed to meet acceptable health and safety standards, raising fears about the quality and safety of products that may have reached consumers.
Multiple Charges Expected
Commissioner Nyathi said the suspects are facing charges linked to violations of the Food and Food Standards Act as well as regulations governing the manufacture of alcoholic beverages in Zimbabwe.
He warned that both local and foreign nationals operating businesses in the country must comply with existing laws and regulatory requirements.
Crackdown on Drug and Substance Abuse
The arrests come as the Government intensifies efforts to curb drug and substance abuse and strengthen oversight of potentially harmful products entering the market.
Authorities are currently pursuing broader measures to tackle the problem, including proposals to establish the Zimbabwe Drug and Substance Abuse Agency, which would coordinate national efforts to combat the growing challenge.
Police have urged members of the public to report suspected illegal manufacturing activities that could endanger public health and safety.
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