Major crackdown on non-compliant liquor outlets in Durban's Point precinct, alcohol seized
Alcohol was seized from a non-compliant liquor outlet in the Durban CBD.
Image: Durban Metro Police / Facebook
In a significant operation on Tuesday, a joint, multi-disciplinary law enforcement operation conducted in the Point precinct resulted in the seizure of thousands of units of alcohol from a non-compliant liquor outlet.
The operation, on December 30, was carried out by the Durban Metro Police Service (DMPS) through its Tactical Support Unit (TSU – SOD1) as part of a coordinated search-and-seizure initiative targeting illicit liquor and regulatory non-compliance.
The focus was on contraventions of the Liquor Products Act and the Legal Metrology Act.
According to information from DMPS, the operation brought together multiple agencies, including the South African Police Service (Point SAPS, Crime Prevention and the Provincial Counterfeit, Contraband and Illicit Goods Unit), Provincial Crime Intelligence, the KwaZulu-Natal Liquor Board, and the Department of Agriculture. This collaborative approach was aimed at strengthening enforcement capacity and ensuring comprehensive regulatory oversight.
During inspections, one liquor outlet was found to be operating in contravention of applicable legislation. As a result, law enforcement officials seized 2,904 units of alcohol with an estimated value of R60,500. The seized stock is believed to be linked to illicit distribution channels, which authorities say pose risks to public health and undermine lawful businesses.
DMPS described the operation as demonstrating “law enforcement’s continued commitment to disrupting illicit trade, ensuring regulatory compliance, and protecting communities from illegal alcohol distribution.”
Officials further indicated that similar joint operations “will continue across the eThekwini Municipality” as part of sustained efforts to curb unlawful trading practices.
Authorities have reiterated that businesses in the liquor industry must fully comply with all licensing, product, and measurement regulations, warning that non-compliance will result in decisive enforcement action.