NACADA nets counterfeit alcohol worth KSh 14 million in Kitui

NACADA Nets Counterfeit Alcohol Worth Ksh14 Million in Kitui Crackdown
The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA), in a multi-agency security operation, has seized counterfeit alcohol with an estimated street value of Ksh14 million in Kitui County. The raid, which targeted illicit distilleries and storage facilities in the Kitui East and Kitui Rural sub-counties, represents a major blow to a sophisticated network of manufacturers and distributors of harmful, unregulated liquor.
The operation, conducted in collaboration with the National Police Service and officials from the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), led to the discovery of a large-scale production site where the counterfeit drinks were being manufactured and packaged to mimic popular legitimate brands. Authorities confiscated thousands of litres of the finished product, along with counterfeit branding labels, empty bottles, sealing machines, and other packaging materials used in the illicit trade.
NACADA Chief Executive Officer Anthony Omerikwa commended the multi-agency team for the successful operation, emphasizing its importance in safeguarding public health. This is not just about illegal trade; it is about saving lives. These products are unregulated, toxic, and pose a grave danger to consumers. We are dismantling these networks from the source, stated Dr. Omerikwa. Several suspects were arrested during the operation and are expected to be charged with various offenses under the Alcoholic Drinks Control Act.
The seizure in Kitui is part of a nationwide crackdown on illicit brews and drugs that has intensified across several counties, including Homa Bay and Migori. The substantial haul underscores the vast scale of the illegal alcohol trade and the continued demand for such products. NACADA has urged the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities, reaffirming its commitment to sustained operations to eradicate the production and consumption of illicit alcohol.