In a major operation targeting the illicit alcohol trade, the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) has seized counterfeit alcoholic drinks worth approximately KSh1.2 million in Keumbu, Kisii County. The crackdown, carried out by a multi-agency team, marks a significant step in the government’s intensified efforts to combat the sale and consumption of illegal and harmful brews across the country.
The raid, conducted on Wednesday, October 22, followed weeks of detailed intelligence gathering. Officers from NACADA, the National Police Service, and the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) jointly executed the operation after identifying a network involved in the distribution of fake alcoholic beverages in the area. The illicit trade had been flagged as a major contributor to rising health concerns and social problems among the youth in Keumbu and its environs.
During the coordinated exercise, the team confiscated a large quantity of counterfeit alcohol bearing the labels of popular brands. The products are suspected to contain toxic ingredients posing severe health risks to unsuspecting consumers. Authorities noted that the seized goods would undergo laboratory analysis to confirm their composition before being destroyed.
The successful operation is part of the government’s Rapid Results Initiative (RRI) against drugs and substance abuse, which aims to curb the increasing prevalence of harmful substances nationwide. The initiative was launched to enhance collaboration among state agencies in tackling drug and alcohol-related crimes.
NACADA emphasized that the Keumbu raid reflects a sustained national effort to disrupt criminal networks profiting from counterfeit and illicit drinks. The authority reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the safety of communities by eliminating the circulation of dangerous alcoholic products and other narcotics.
Officials have urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities linked to the production or sale of illegal alcohol. They also warned that individuals involved in the illicit trade will face the full force of the law as investigations continue.
The case has been forwarded to the relevant authorities for further investigation and prosecution, reinforcing the government’s commitment to protecting citizens from the devastating effects of counterfeit alcohol and substance abuse.
