By Fanuel chinowaita
HARARE – Police have arrested two Chinese nationals, Gan Chen (52) and Peng Yujun (52), for operating an illicit alcohol manufacturing and distribution network in the Msasa Industrial area, seizing equipment and products valued at over US$120,000 in what authorities describe as a major crackdown on foreign nationals abusing their permits.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirmed the arrests on Monday, with the suspects facing multiple charges under the Harmful Liquids Act [Chapter 9:10], the Foods and Food Standards Labelling Regulations, the Factory and Works Act, the Environmental Management (Control of Hazardous Substances) regulations, and the Shop Licensing Act [Chapter 14:17].
Police raided the factory and recovered substantial quantities of purported vodka, spirits, and wine, including Mankouxing brand wine with an alcohol content of 53 percent – significantly exceeding the legal limit of 40 percent – alongside bottling machines, a distillation tanker, a boiler, a separator, and other manufacturing equipment.
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National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said investigations had been expanded to include the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe, the Ministry of Finance, and the Ministry of Industry and Commerce to determine how the suspects established and sustained their operations within the country.
“Foreign nationals must stick to permits and not abuse them,” Nyathi said. “Where locals collude with foreign nationals, they will equally be held responsible for criminal activities.”
The arrests follow a broader pattern of criminal cases involving Chinese nationals in Zimbabwe. In 2025, Cong Yangzhong was sentenced to 18 years in prison for possessing three rhino horns and four pieces of raw ivory valued at more than US$246,000 in Harare, while Lin Wang and Fux Wang were arrested attempting to smuggle rhino horns worth US$480,000 from Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport.
In the mining sector, Chinese nationals have been implicated in illegal alluvial operations along the Mutare River, fleeing into nearby mountains during a Joint Operations Command crackdown that resulted in the seizure of 12 excavators and heavy equipment. Meanwhile, the National Prosecuting Authority has prosecuted over 315 drug-related cases involving crystal methamphetamine since January, with nine Chinese nationals recently pleading guilty to cocaine use and awaiting deportation after sentencing.
Commissioner Nyathi reaffirmed the police’s commitment to enforcing the law without favoritism, warning that both foreign and local perpetrators would face the full weight of the law.
The two suspects are expected to appear in court soon, with police indicating that additional charges may be preferred as investigations continue.