Officers from Brazil’s Tactical Motorcycle Patrol (Raio) uncovered a house used to fake expensive whisky brands using solvent, ethanol, and industrial chemicals during Operation Zero Tolerance in Várzea Grande, Mato Grosso..
A shocking police operation in Várzea Grande, Brazil, exposed a fake whisky factory producing counterfeit alcoholic beverages with toxic chemicals such as solvent, ethanol, and industrial dyes. The discovery was made this Tuesday (October 14) during Operation Zero Tolerance, led by the Tactical Motorcycle Patrol (Raio) of the Military Police of Mato Grosso.
While patrolling the Construmat neighborhood, officers noticed three men acting suspiciously. As the police approached, the suspects tried to flee — two were caught after a chase on foot, while one escaped through nearby houses.
During the search, police found small amounts of cocaine and crack base paste, as well as a car key. One of the suspects confessed that the nearby house was being used to adulterate alcoholic beverages.
When officers entered the property, they discovered a large-scale counterfeiting operation. Dozens of empty whisky bottles, labels, solvents, ethanol, and corn alcohol were found, indicating the illegal production of fake premium whisky brands such as Red Label, Old Parr, Buchanans, Chivas Regal, and Jack Daniel’s.
The counterfeit drinks were allegedly mixed with industrial chemicals and then sold as imported whisky. According to investigators, this type of falsification poses serious risks to public health, as the beverages contain toxic substances unfit for human consumption.
One of the men injured himself while trying to escape and was taken to a medical unit before being sent to the Central Police Station in Várzea Grande. Both detainees and all materials were seized as evidence for further investigation.
The operation received support from the 25th Battalion of the Military Police and reinforces the institution’s commitment to combating drug trafficking, food fraud, and health crimes in Brazil.
Items Seized:
- of cocaine and crack base paste
- Three cell phones
- 29 bottles of Old Parr whisky
- 5 bottles of White Horse
- 4 bottles of Buchanans
- 2 bottles of Jack Daniel’s
- 2 bottles of Chivas Regal
- 36 bottles of Red Label
- 5 bottles of Gold Label
- 6 bottles of solvent
- 3 bottles of ethanol
- 1 bottle of coloring agent
- 2 large plastic gallons
