Counterfeit alcohol enforcement in Latin America

Authorities in Colombia and Mexico have conducted operations to dismantle illicit alcohol production and distribution networks.

In Colombia, police and tax authorities have intensified efforts to combat the illegal trade of alcoholic beverages. Recent operations included the seizure of over 1,000 bottles of aguardiente and rum, alongside materials allegedly used to manufacture adulterated liquor. This follows previous large scale seizures in Bogotá and significant DIAN operations between May and July 2024, which resulted in the seizure of over 2.4 million liters of liquor and the dismantling of 13 criminal structures.

In Mexico, the Jalisco State Prosecutor's Office dismantled a clandestine warehouse in Zapopan, Jalisco. The facility was allegedly used for the production and storage of adulterated tequila and whiskey. During the operation, authorities seized ten 1,000-liter drums of what appears to be ethyl alcohol, numerous empty containers, and pallets of tequila bottles. The site also contained various labels and packaging reportedly used to misrepresent counterfeit products as original commercial brands.