23/08/2026
A new report by El País has revealed a growing counterfeit alcohol trade across Southern Africa, with Zambia named as one of the countries allegedly linked to the movement of fake European spirits.
The report describes smugglers moving imitation whisky across the Zambia-Zimbabwe border, including through the Chirundu crossing. Zimbabwean police say the wider counterfeit alcohol problem is also being seen along borders involving Zambia, Mozambique and South Africa.
And this isn’t just about fake labels.
Doctors in Zimbabwe have reported serious health problems among people who regularly consume counterfeit alcohol, including cases involving kidney and lung damage.
The worrying part? Some of the fake bottles are reportedly convincing enough that even experienced bartenders can struggle to tell them apart from the real thing.
So before you pick up that suspiciously cheap bottle of “premium” whisky… 👀
🥃 Is it the real thing?
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