One in Five Drinks is FAKE: The Illicit Alcohol Crisis Costing SA Billions & Lives
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Nearly 1 in 5 alcoholic drinks sold in South Africa is illegal — a shocking statistic revealed by a new study from the Drinks Federation of South Africa and Euromonitor International. Sam Marshall is joined by Dr. Shamal Ramasar, Head of Research at the Drinks Federation, to unpack the alarming rise of the illicit alcohol trade.
From counterfeit bottles filled in backyards to sophisticated international smuggling operations, this high-stakes criminal economy is costing the country over R16.5 billion in lost tax revenue — and even more in lives. Dr. Ramasar breaks down how to spot fake alcohol, the public health risks involved, and why coordinated action is urgently needed.
This is a conversation about safety, accountability, and how everyday South Africans can help fight back against a growing threat.
Dr. Ramasar’s Warning:
“This isn’t just a township issue—illicit alcohol has penetrated formal retail markets too. If the price seems too good to be true, it probably is.”
#IllicitAlcohol #SouthAfrica #PublicHealth #Counterfeit #TaxEvasion #DrinksFederationSA #TheSocialImpactShow #919fm #Socialtv.co.za
From counterfeit bottles filled in backyards to sophisticated international smuggling operations, this high-stakes criminal economy is costing the country over R16.5 billion in lost tax revenue — and even more in lives. Dr. Ramasar breaks down how to spot fake alcohol, the public health risks involved, and why coordinated action is urgently needed.
This is a conversation about safety, accountability, and how everyday South Africans can help fight back against a growing threat.
Dr. Ramasar’s Warning:
“This isn’t just a township issue—illicit alcohol has penetrated formal retail markets too. If the price seems too good to be true, it probably is.”
#IllicitAlcohol #SouthAfrica #PublicHealth #Counterfeit #TaxEvasion #DrinksFederationSA #TheSocialImpactShow #919fm #Socialtv.co.za
