Nacada seizes suspected Illicit alcohol, drugs in Murang’a and Taita

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In a relentless weekend crackdown spanning multiple counties, Nacada struck a major blow against suspected counterfeit alcohol and drug trafficking networks, seizing thousands of litres of illicit products and arresting multiple suspects.

The coordinated raids, executed by the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) alongside the National Police Service and National Government Administration Officers, signal a sharp escalation in the war against substances that undermine public health and safety.

The operation kicked off on Friday evening in Kahuro Sub-County, Murang’a County, where a tip-off appeared to have alerted targets, leaving four outlets empty. Undeterred, officers pressed on, recovering 10 crates of suspected counterfeit alcohol and arresting two individuals.

The pursuit intensified on Saturday with a raid in Murarandia market centre, uncovering a massive stockpile of 216 crates and four cartons of spirits, all suspected to bear alleged fake Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) stamps. Earlier that day, compliance checks in Kahatia market led to four more arrests and the seizure of 115 bottles.

Simultaneously, in Taita Taveta County, a separate NACADA-led multi-agency team zeroed in on narcotics. At a residence in Mwatate, officers arrested three suspects and recovered 29 rolls of cannabis, alongside sacks used for transportation.

The operation also targeted illicit brew dens in Voi’s ‘Tanzania’ slums and Mwatate’s ‘Shakahola’ area, where more than 500 litres of the suspected toxic brew were destroyed on the spot.

Attributing the successes to a renewed national directive, NACADA Chief Executive Officer Dr Anthony Omerikwa said the tide was turning.

“The counterfeit alcohol kingpins and drug traffickers are falling one by one as the Authority steadily moves to ensure a country that is safe from the harms associated with alcohol and drug use,” he said.

Dr Omerikwa added that the President’s directive to intensify the fight is beginning to bear fruit, forcing those in the illicit trade into desperation.

“They are now devising new strategies, such as trying to hide in plain sight,” he noted.

“But the Authority, being steps ahead of them, is actively pursuing and stopping them in their tracks, while ensuring they are arraigned for prosecution and asset forfeiture processes are initiated,” he added.

All suspects are in custody pending arraignment, with investigations ongoing. The seized alcohol awaits verification by the KRA, and NACADA said intensified operations will continue across the country.