NAIROBI, Kenya — The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA), working with the National Police Service and National Government Administration Officers, over the weekend seized thousands of litres of counterfeit alcohol and narcotics in Murang’a and Taita-Taveta counties, arresting multiple suspects.
The crackdown began Friday evening in Kahuro Sub-County, Murang’a, following tip-offs that led to the recovery of 10 crates of suspected fake alcohol and the arrest of two individuals.
A subsequent raid at Murarandia Market Centre uncovered 216 crates and four cartons of spirits believed to carry counterfeit Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) stamps. Additional checks in Kahatia Market resulted in four more arrests and the confiscation of 115 bottles of illicit alcohol.
In Taita-Taveta County, officers targeted narcotics and illicit brews. In Maryland, Mwatate, three suspects were arrested with 29 rolls of cannabis and sacks used for transport. Raids in Voi’s Tanzania slums and Mwatate’s Shakahola area led to the on-the-spot destruction of over 500 litres of the toxic brew ‘Mpasho’.
NACADA CEO Dr. Anthony Omerikwa attributed the operation’s success to a renewed national directive to combat alcohol and drug abuse.
“The counterfeit alcohol kingpins and drug traffickers are falling one by one as the Authority steadily moves to ensure a country safe from the harms associated with alcohol and drug use,” he said, adding that traffickers are adopting new concealment strategies, but NACADA continues proactive interventions while initiating prosecution and asset forfeiture.
All suspects are in custody pending arraignment, and the seized alcohol is awaiting verification by KRA. NACADA has pledged to maintain intensified nationwide operations against counterfeit alcohol and drugs.
