Fake Jameson, Smirnoff liquor seized in South Africa

A joint enforcement operation in South Africa has resulted in the seizure of counterfeit bottles of spirits, including Jameson Irish whiskey and Smirnoff vodka.

The operation – which took place at the Protea Glen township in Soweto, near Johannesburg, on August 17 – uncovered 958 "items of counterfeit liquor and packaging materials" with an approximate value of R 120 000 (approximately $6,800), according to the South Africa Police Service.

It was conducted by the Gauteng Provincial Police, in collaboration with the Commercial Crime Investigations, Soweto dog unit, brand protection specialist Brand Protectors, Gauteng Traffic, and Provincial Crime Scene Management, and has resulted in the arrest of a suspect.

According to the South Africa Liquor Brandowners Association (Salba), citing figures from Euromonitor, the fake alcohol trade in the domestic market is worth around R 20.5bn ($1.14bn).

Counterfeit liquor often contains high levels of contaminants like methanol (also known as methyl alcohol), which can be very hazardous. Ingesting methanol can lead to damage to the eyes, skin, respiratory system, central nervous system and gastrointestinal tracts, with high levels of exposure leading to coma and death.

In 2020, there were three deaths in Zimbabwe among people who were reported to have consumed counterfeit Jameson whiskey.