Fake Jameson whiskey claims three lives in Zimbabwe; report

At least three people in Zimbabwe have died after drinking counterfeit Jameson Irish Whiskey, according to local news reports.

ZimMorningPost.com says that the deaths occurred towards the end of 2019, and came as fake copies of well-known spirit brands – including Jameson, Johnnie Walker’s Red Label and Best – flooded the market. The report claims the whiskies are being smuggled from Mozambique and Zambia.

The presence of counterfeit Jameson in Zimbabwe hasn’t been either confirmed or denied by the manufacturer, but social media posts suggest cut-price bottles were widely available over the festive period.

Another article on iHarare.com includes a photo claiming to show a backyard rebottling operation for Jameson whiskey.

Jamie ye10 Mari. Imika. Bond Jameson and Real Jameson not 1:1 GEDYE. pic.twitter.com/VUtQPvu39O

— K (@begottensun) December 30, 2019