A Deadly Mix: Police Bust Umlazi Operation Bottling Ethanol as Smirnoff

In a stark public safety raid, law enforcement agencies have dismantled a clandestine liquor operation in Umlazi, south of Durban, where individuals were allegedly mixing pure, undiluted ethanol with water and passing it off as the popular Smirnoff vodka brand.

The intelligence-driven operation, which took place on Tuesday in the Linda Mnomiya area, uncovered a sophisticated but dangerous counterfeit setup. Durban Metro Police spokesperson Colonel Boysie Zungu said officers caught the main suspect red-handed in the act of mixing the toxic components.

“The operation revealed individuals were allegedly mixing ethanol with water and bottling it as Smirnoff for sale to the public,” Zungu confirmed.

The potential health consequences of consuming such a product are severe. Pure ethanol is a toxic industrial alcohol not meant for human consumption and can lead to poisoning, blindness, or even death.

The raid, a collaborative effort between the Durban Metro Police Drug Team, Counter Narcotics KZN, the Hawks from Port Shepstone, and the SAPS Economic Infrastructure Task Team, led to a significant seizure. Confiscated items included:

• Five 25-liter containers of pure ethanol

• Four 5-liter containers of ethanol

• Six 750ml bottles of the diluted, counterfeit Smirnoff

• Empty Smirnoff bottles, caps, and packaging

• Equipment used for manufacturing and distribution

The total estimated value of the seized contraband and equipment was R73,200.

Colonel Zungu praised the multi-unit teamwork, stating the bust was a crucial step in “removing illegal and harmful substances from our communities.” The operation highlights the ongoing battle against illicit trade that not only defrauds consumers but also poses a serious and direct threat to public health.