The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (Nacada) has intercepted a large consignment of suspected illicit ethanol in Eldoret, in a major operation targeting the underground alcohol trade.
The seizure, carried out on March 29, 2026, followed a high-stakes multi-agency operation involving Nacada officers and police from Langas Police Station.
Acting on a tip-off, officers trailed a suspect vehicle from Kapsabet before intercepting it along the Kapseret–Kapsabet Road.
The vehicle, a white BMW, was found transporting 27 jerricans containing approximately 810 litres of suspected illicit ethanol.
Nacada Chief Executive Officer Dr Anthony Omerikwa said the substance is a key ingredient in the manufacture of counterfeit and substandard second-generation alcohol.
“This illicitly obtained and smuggled ethanol is widely used to produce deadly alcoholic drinks,” Omerikwa said, warning that criminal networks are exploiting porous borders and corruption to import untaxed ethanol.
The consignment, valued at about Sh1.2 million, is believed to have a street price of Sh1,500 per litre. Authorities said the seizure marks a significant step in efforts to dismantle the illegal alcohol trade.
“Such seizures will continue in collaboration with other multi-agency teams. We are committed to disrupting these criminal networks, and all assets seized will be forfeited to the state,” Omerikwa added.
Two suspects were arrested and are expected to be arraigned in court on March 30, 2026, as investigations continue.
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