A major crackdown on unregulated alcohol production has led to the arrest of seven directors from Samna Liquor Company, five of whom are believed to be members of the same family.

The arrests follow allegations that the company was manufacturing and distributing untested alcoholic beverages without adhering to legal and safety protocols.

The youngest of the accused, Amaranath Reddy Gundra, is just 24, while the eldest, Srikanth Reddy Jonnala, is 39. Other directors named by police include Manohar Reddy Yarraguntla (39), Sekhar Reddy Kambani (34), Yugandlar Reddy Samala (34), Praveen Kumarreddy (28), and Ranesh Yepuri (37). All are foreign nationals and reportedly held directorial roles at the company.

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Samna Liquor Company, which holds a licence to produce alcoholic beverages, has been operating since last year, distributing brands such as Jay-Dox Vodka, Happy Cheers Mint Vodka, Happy Cheers Whisky Premium, and Jay-Dox Brandy.

However, police say the firm failed to comply with regulatory standards, including testing the alcohol content of its products.

National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi stated: “Investigations carried so far have established that the products have been made of ethanol, flavours and water only, and the 40 percent alcohol content was not tested.”

In addition to the arrests, 25 employees were fined for working without food handling certificates, raising public health concerns. Five vehicles used in the distribution of the illicit brews were also impounded.

Authorities have described the operation as one of the most significant blows to the illegal alcohol trade in recent years.

Meanwhile, the national anti-drug campaign continues. In separate incidents, police arrested several individuals for unlawful possession of dagga.

In Mbare, a suspect was apprehended, while in Beitbridge, Shyleen Johane (35) was arrested at a service station. On the same day, three other suspects—Madoro (43), Walter Magore (42), and Wilson Mukachana (33)—were detained in connection with 10.5 kilogrammes of dagga.

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