Crackdown heat rises as police seize thousands of litres of illicit brew

Siezed illicit brew was found stored in rooms and hidden spaces across different counties during coordinated police raids on May 6, 2026/HANDOUT 

A sweeping security crackdown on illicit alcohol and drugs is tightening the noose on illegal networks, with coordinated raids netting thousands of litres of banned brews and multiple suspects across several counties.

The multi-agency operations, spanning both rural villages and urban centres, saw enforcement teams storm suspected dens, disrupt supply chains, and recover large quantities of illegal substances linked to brewing and distribution rings.

In Meru County, officers descended on the Kaguma area in Gaitu East, Imenti Central, where they seized about 1,700 litres of mugacha brew. One suspect was arrested and taken to Gaitu Police Station for processing ahead of court action.

Bungoma emerged as another hotspot, recording multiple incidents. In Chemogee Sub-location, officers recovered 20 litres of busaa during an arrest.

A separate raid in Mayanya Vitunguu, conducted jointly with national administration officers, led to the arrest of seven suspects and the recovery of a staggering 6,430 litres of kangara and 62 litres of chang’aa.

In Nyamira County, a multi-agency team raided Miti Mbili Village, arresting two suspects. A search uncovered 20 litres of a substance suspected to be chang’aa stored in a yellow jerrican.

Meanwhile, in Kiambu County, officers on mobile patrol arrested a suspect found with 24 rolls of cannabis, alongside rolling papers, scissors, and a rolling flag believed to be linked to distribution.

Murang’a County also reported an arrest after officers from Kabati Police Station recovered 35 rolls of bhang. The suspect was processed and charged, with exhibits secured for analysis by the government chemist.

In Nairobi, enforcement teams intercepted a suspect in possession of 80 rolls of bhang, underscoring the persistence of the narcotics trade within urban networks.

Authorities say the widespread arrests and recoveries reflect sustained, coordinated efforts targeting illegal brewing and drug distribution across diverse environments.

The operations, involving police and administrative officers, are expected to continue as surveillance intensifies and more raids are carried out in affected regions.