The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA), in collaboration with law enforcement agencies, has seized over 1,700 bottles of suspected counterfeit alcohol in a raid conducted in Uruku, Nyandarua North Sub-County.
During the operation, officers recovered 1,710 bottles, each 250ml, of assorted alcoholic and soft drinks from a local alcohol outlet. A 44-year-old female trader was arrested at the scene and is expected to be arraigned once investigations are complete.
Preliminary inspections by NACADA raised suspicions that the seized beverages were counterfeit and potentially harmful to public health. The samples have since been sent to the Government Chemist for detailed analysis.
“This operation is part of a broader national crackdown aimed at dismantling illegal alcohol networks and protecting the public from dangerous, unregulated substances,” said Nicholas Kosgei, NACADA’s Head of Enforcement.
Kosgei reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to tackling illicit alcohol, especially in rural and semi-urban areas, where regulatory oversight tends to be weak.
The seized items have been secured as court exhibits as authorities prepare formal charges against the suspect. The arrest and seizure form part of NACADA’s ongoing national enforcement campaign against counterfeit and unlicensed alcohol products.
Recent Related Raids
The Nyandarua operation follows recent successful multi-agency crackdowns in Homabay and Kisii counties:
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In Oyugis, Homabay County, two suspects were arrested with 400 packets of uncustomed Supermatch cigarettes, 14 packets of Oris cigarettes, and suspected cannabis sativa, along with cash believed to be proceeds of illicit trade.
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In Kisii County, a targeted raid at a rented house in Nyakongo Village, Kitutu Central uncovered what authorities believe to be a drug storage and processing site. Police seized 134 brooms suspected to be laced with narcotics and two 90-kg sacks of dried plant material believed to be cannabis.
Eight suspects were arrested during the Kisii operation and are currently in police custody.
NACADA has urged members of the public to report suspicious alcohol products and illicit activities through its toll-free hotline 1192.
“Our work continues across the country, not just through enforcement but also through education and strong partnerships with communities and stakeholders,” the agency stated.
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