The National Inspectorate of Economic Activities (INAE) on Monday (10) dismantled a clandestine factory producing prohibited alcoholic beverages in the district of Dondo, Sofala province, central Mozambique.

The establishment, which officially closed its doors in 2019, operated on the sly and produced large quantities of drinks known as “xivotxongos”, the production and sale of which is strictly prohibited by Decree 31/2025 of September 11.

During the operation, carried out in preparation for the festive season, the authorities found pure ethanol stored in large quantities - a substance presumably used to make the illegal drinks - as well as bottles, labels and other bottling materials. All the material was seized by INAE.

According to the newspaper Ngani, According to the report, which cites inspection sources, the factory pretended to have been closed for years, but continued to operate in disguise, supplying the local market with products of unknown origin and composition, potentially dangerous to human health.

“Our aim is to ensure that the Mozambican market operates within quality and safety standards. We will continue to intensify inspections throughout the country,” said an INAE representative, adding that the actions will be reinforced during the festive period, when the consumption of drinks increases significantly.

INAE also assured that it will not tolerate illicit practices that put public health at risk and defraud the consumer, calling on people to report places suspected of producing and selling adulterated drinks.

(Photo DR)