Colombia authorities seize materials used for adulterated liquor

Colombian police and tax authorities have intensified efforts to combat the illegal trade of alcoholic beverages. In a recent operation on the road between Dabeiba and Santa Fe de Antioquia, officers seized over 1,000 bottles of various aguardientes and rums, along with a sack containing more than 1,000 caps and seals allegedly used to manufacture adulterated liquor.

This seizure follows a significant operation in Bogotá’s Los Mártires district in late August, where authorities recovered 8,520 units of adulterated liquor and 12,000 counterfeit components, including labels and stamps. Between May and July 2024, DIAN operations against illegal alcohol and cigarette trade resulted in the seizure of over 2.4 million liters of liquor and the dismantling of 13 criminal structures, involving approximately $236.4 million in illicit goods.

Authorities advise consumers to remain vigilant, especially during holiday periods like Halloween. To identify counterfeit products, officials recommend checking for intact security rings on caps, verifying tax stamps, and scanning QR codes or barcodes provided on the packaging.