Three arrested over counterfeit liquor factory

MUFINDI: THREE suspects have been arrested in Mafinga Town, Mufindi District, in connection with an illegal factory producing counterfeit alcoholic beverages, including Konyagi, Cuca Vodka and Roboti Gin.

The arrests followed a raid led by Mufindi District Commissioner, Dr Linda Selekwa and the District Security Committee at a clandestine factory in the Pipeline area of Mafinga.

Speaking to journalists after the operation, Dr Selekwa said authorities seized 90 litres of alcoholic liquid, 144 bottles of counterfeit Konyagi, 12 bottles of fake Cuca Vodka and seven bottles of counterfeit Roboti Gin.

“We have arrested three suspects and they are being held by the police as investigations continue,” Dr Selekwa said.

She urged residents of Mafinga Town and Mufindi District to verify the authenticity of alcoholic beverages before purchasing or consuming them.

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“When buying these products, check the TBS (Tanzania Bureau of Standards) quality mark and use the TRA (Tanzania Revenue Authority) scan code to verify that they are genuine,” she said.

TRA Mufindi Manager Mordekai Kibona said officials examined the excise stamps found on the seized products and confirmed that they were counterfeit.

“The stamps used on these products are fake and were not issued by the Tanzania Revenue Authority,” Mr Kibona said.

He also urged consumers to use the Hakiki Stamp mobile application to verify excise stamps on alcoholic beverages.

“Using the Hakiki Stamp application will help consumers identify genuine products and prevent the loss of government revenue,” he said.