Illegal alcohol producers face possibility of eight years in jail

Country-wide police raids on illegal alcohol production facilities have uncovered another operation in Cercany, a small town in the central Bohemian region. As part of an operation code-named Vibrator, the raid in Cercany uncovered 17 000 litres of spirits in plastic containers and over 12 000 litres of various fake brand-name alcohols and labels ready for use. Reports say that during one week in May, the Cercany facility produced over 6000 litres of rum and 4000 litres of vodka meant for the black market. Losses in taxes to the state are expected to exceed five million Czech crowns. If found guilty, those charged could face up to eight years in jail.