The National Authority for the Campaign against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA)
has apprehended a female shop owner and confiscated 1,843 bottles of fake alcohol
during a combined agency operation at a spirits retailer in Kitui Town on
April 16, 2026.
Authorities also obtained 80 litres of suspected ethanol contained in four 20-litre
containers, assessed at approximately Sh200,000.
The accused, who owns the establishment, was recorded at Kitui Police Station
awaiting additional inquiries, chemical examination by the Government Chemist,
and legal proceedings with the Kenya Bureau of Standards.
The raid, which targeted a recognized distributor of imitation alcoholic products,
was implemented based on practical intelligence and included searches at two
connected businesses.
With educational institutions closed and students and youth at home for the vacation,
NACADA’s Chief Executive Officer restated the Authority’s steadfast dedication
to safeguarding the public.
“During this period when schools are closed and young people are home for the holidays,
the Authority is extra vigilant and strictly implementing the President’s order
on combating substance abuse,” the CEO stated.
“We cannot permit counterfeit alcohol networks to harm our citizens or exploit
our youth. No parent should believe that because classes are not in session,
we are inactive. We are more attentive than ever.”
The CEO further cautioned that counterfeit alcohol jeopardizes public wellbeing,
harms legitimate brand standing, and deprives the state substantial tax revenue,
urging citizens to notify authorities about suspicious shops as NACADA escalates
undercover surveillance countrywide.
A local observer who witnessed the entire event and preferred not to be identified
commended the Authority’s decisive action.
“I have observed that store selling hazardous beverages for months,” the local
resident said.
“When NACADA arrived, they acted promptly and removed everything. I was afraid
to speak before, but now I recognize they are serious. From now on, I will keep
providing any information I obtain. We must protect our children.”
The Authority indicated that the operation forms part of continuous enforcement
measures carried out in cooperation with appropriate agencies.
It stressed that intelligence-driven operations continue to target unlawful
alcohol distribution networks throughout the nation.
The holiday season has been recognized as a high-risk period for the spread
of counterfeit goods, especially in regions where young people are present.
NACADA reiterated that ongoing surveillance, examinations and coordinated raids
will continue in order to dismantle supply chains and discourage illicit operators.
Citizens are urged to support enforcement initiatives by reporting suspected
establishments to the appropriate authorities as operations intensify nationwide.
All recovered items are now undergoing forensic examination, and the suspect
confronts numerous charges as investigations proceed. The crackdown highlights
the ongoing danger represented by counterfeit alcohol networks, even as the nation
concentrates on safeguarding its youth during the extended holiday.