Bars, Chemists, and Agrovets Closed Down in Taita Taveta in a Crackdown
A multi-agency security team in Taita Taveta County has closed down several bars, chemists, and agrovet shops in a major crackdown on illegal activities. The operation targeted establishments operating without valid licenses, those selling illicit alcohol, and chemists and agrovets suspected of being fronts for the sale of prescription drugs and substances abused as narcotics.
The County Commissioner led the operation, stating that the crackdown aims to restore public health and social order. He revealed that some agrovets were found to be illegally selling powerful prescription drugs and acaricides that are being abused by youth, while some chemists were operating without qualified pharmacists. The licenses of the non-compliant businesses were suspended on the spot.
The team also destroyed thousands of litres of illicit brew and counterfeit alcohol seized during the raids. The owners of the closed establishments will face legal action and must meet all regulatory requirements before being allowed to reopen. The Commissioner warned that the operation is ongoing and will extend to all sub-counties to rid the region of the vice.