THE Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has arrested two Chinese nationals allegedly involved in the production and distribution of illicit alcohol at a factory in Msasa, Harare.

In a statement, police confirmed the arrest of Gan Chen (52) and Peng Yujun (52), who are facing multiple charges linked to the illegal operation.

“The suspects are facing charges which include contravening sections of the Harmful Liquids Act [Chapter 9:10], the Food and Food Standards Labelling Regulations, the Factories and Works Act [Chapter 14:08], the Environmental Management Act (Control of Hazardous Substances) and the Shop Licensing Act [Chapter 14:17],” police said.

According to the ZRP, detectives recovered several illicit substances at the factory, including purported vodka, spirits and wine.

Police also seized bottling machines, a distillation tanker, a boiler, a separator and other equipment used in the production process.

The arrests come amid an ongoing crackdown on illegal alcohol manufacturing operations across the country.

Recently, police raided a large-scale illegal brewery operating in Harare’s Southerton industrial area, leading to the arrest of 46 suspects.

The latest arrests also come after Industry and Commerce Minister Nqobizitha Mangaliso Ndlovu warned that the proliferation of illicit alcohol had become more than just a criminal issue.

Speaking earlier this week, Ndlovu said illicit alcohol was now a public health emergency requiring urgent intervention from authorities.

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