Illegal vodka in Tanzania ‘not fit for human consumption’

Tanzania Food and Drugs Authority (TFDA) has confiscated counterfeit vodka worth more than 111 million Tanzanian shillings (£33,400) following a swoop on illegal goods in Mwanza City.

The illicit stash was found in the premises of businessman Mwita Ikoyi, a business associate of Mwanza Lake Line Company Limited, as reported by All Africa.

“We found Signature Vodka worth over 49m/-, Rider Vodka worth over 19m/- and Empire Spirit worth over 5m/-,” said Moses Mbambe, TFDA Zonal manager.

He added the spirits had been imported from Uganda and included 823 cartons of Signature Vodka with 120 sachets, 327 cartons of Rider Vodka with 120 sachets and 96 cartons of Empire spirit with 120 sachets.

According to Mbambe, the Mwanza Lake line is a registered company by TFDA to produce a gin brand called Simba and was due for inspection last week to see if it was complying with production terms.

After a successful first inspection, the TFDA received a tip off and returned for a second inspection where they discovered the illicit trade.

According to Mbambe, the vodka was not fit for human consumption and the police plan to sue the company for lack of veracity.