General

MBABANE –The Eswatini Revenue Service (ERS) is investigating ‘mystery alcohol’ consignment to determine its origin and whether customs duties and taxes were remitted.

The development comes as law enforcement agencies intensify action against suspected illicit alcohol distribution networks, following recent operations that have seen businesses, including a foreign-owned restaurant previously reported in the media, coming under scrutiny over the alleged sale of unverified or illegal alcohol products. ERS Director of Communications and Marketing, Ntobeko Manana, said the investigation is currently focused on tracing the origin and importation route of the seized alcohol.

At this stage, Manana said, the value of the confiscated alcohol has not yet been determined. “The confiscated alcohol is being kept at the State warehouse while the investigation is still underway. If it is confirmed that the Customs and Excise Act was contravened, the legal process for seizure and forfeiture will be followed. ERS will also continue working with other law enforcement agencies to ensure that all legal requirements are met,” Manana said. ERS added that it is collaborating with other law enforcement agencies to ensure that all legal requirements are met before any final decision is taken.

Manana, in response to a question that sought to establish what penalties apply to individuals or entities found guilty of smuggling alcohol into the country or evading the payment of taxes and duties, said: “Penalties may include fines, imprisonment and forfeiture of the goods. Under the Customs and Excise Act, 1971, a person who fails to declare dutiable goods commits an offence and may be fined E5,000 or three times the value of the goods, whichever is greater or imprisoned for up to two years, or both. The goods, any other goods in the same package and the package itself may also be forfeited.” It is worth noting that last Wednesday, this publication reported that a popular Chinese-owned restaurant in Mbabane was shut down after a multi-agency raid uncovered large quantities of unlabelled high-alcohol liquor allegedly being sold to patrons, including pupils and young people.

The operation at Chinese Garden Restaurant followed a litany of reports made to the Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS) by concerned parents who alleged that unlabelled alcoholic beverages with exceptionally high alcohol content were being sold at the establishment, particularly to pupils and youth. The reports reportedly raised concerns among parents and community members who feared that young people were consuming products whose origin, ingredients and alcohol content could not easily be verified.

Acting on the complaints, officials from the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Trade, the Immigration Department and the Royal Eswatini Police Service conducted a joint inspection at the establishment this week. The operation forms part of ongoing efforts by authorities to ensure businesses comply with consumer protection, immigration and other regulatory requirements. Inspectors found boxes of liquor without visible manufacturing dates, expiry dates or clear labelling.

Some of the products bore labels written entirely in Mandarin, making it difficult for consumers to determine the contents, origin and shelf life of the products.

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Beijing Erguotou, a strong, traditional Chinese liquor from Beijing and one of the most recognised varieties of baijiu was part of the confiscated alcohol at the restaurant. (Pic: Mlondzi Nkambule)