Two suspects have been arrested in connection with the discovery of an illicit alcohol plant in Lansdowne.
Lingelethu West officers conducted a roadblock on Spine Road in Khayelitsha on Wednesday, where they stopped and searched a silver Hyundai I20 and found four boxes containing Old Buck Gin. Those in the vehicle could not account for the alcohol.
The police were then led to a location in Lansdowne where they discovered an illegal dop manufacturing plant.
On the premises, they found manufacturing equipment and different alcohol branding stickers such as Smirnoff 1818, Old Buck and Gordon’s Liquor Dry Gin and unknown liquids.
Police spokesperson Wesley Twigg said two suspects aged 26 and 39 were arrested on charges of illegal manufacturing and distributing liquor.
“Safer festive season operations in the Lingelethu West policing precinct on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, resulted in the confiscation of illicit liquor in Spine Road, and the discovery of an illegal manufacturing plant in Lansdowne.
“Further investigation led the members to a premises in Lansdowne where they found an illegal alcohol manufacturing plant and manufacturing equipment, an assortment of alcohol branding stickers and unknown liquids."
The two suspects are expected to appear in the Khayelitsha magistrate’s court once they have been charged.”
On Tuesday, police seized illicit goods worth R90 000 in Stellenbosch.
They confiscated items including cellphone covers, board and card games, hair products, shoe polish and PVC glue.
Police spokesperson Ndakhe Gwala said officers are intensifying efforts to crack down on illicit trade across the Western Cape.
“The increase of counterfeit goods is a serious threat to South Africa’s economic stability and consumer safety.
“Not only does it deprive the state of revenue, but it also undermines legitimate businesses and compromises public safety,” Gwala said.
“The Western Cape Counterfeit Goods Unit remains resolute in the fight against the distribution of these goods."