On Friday, May 2, a significant breakthrough in the fight against illicit substances took place in Webuye Town, Bungoma County, as a lorry carrying over 8,000 liters of suspected illegal ethanol was intercepted during a multi-agency operation. The vehicle was found to be transporting 35 containers, each holding 250 liters of a clear liquid, cleverly concealed under cartons of milk, likely an attempt to deceive law enforcement.
The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA), led by its CEO, Dr. Anthony Omerikwa, was present at the scene of the operation. Dr. Omerikwa described the action as an intentional effort to break the law and endanger lives. “We will not relent in pursuing those involved in the manufacture, trafficking, and sale of illegal or uncustomized substances. Their assets will be traced and seized under the Proceeds of Crime and Anti-Money Laundering framework,” he emphasized.
Samples of the seized liquid have been sent to the Government Chemist for analysis, with preliminary investigations suggesting that the ethanol was being trafficked for the manufacture of illicit alcohol. This move underlines the ongoing efforts to curb the illicit alcohol trade, which poses a significant threat to public health and safety.
Dr. Omerikwa commended the swift action and seamless coordination between local police and the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), praising the agencies’ vigilance and commitment to ensuring public safety. “This successful operation is a testament to what inter-agency collaboration can achieve. I applaud our partners in the police and KRA for their quick response and cooperation,” he said.
One of the key takeaways from the operation was the importance of enhanced intelligence sharing across government agencies. Dr. Omerikwa stressed the need to break down silos and pool resources to combat the trade in illicit substances more effectively. “The networks fueling this trade thrive on communication gaps. We must close them to ensure more seizures and arrests,” he noted.
The CEO also highlighted the critical role the public plays in supporting the fight against illicit drugs and substances. He urged citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity anonymously through NACADA’s toll-free hotline, 1192. “Community support is crucial. Let us protect our youth and safeguard the future,” he added.
As investigations into the origins and intended destination of the intercepted ethanol continue, NACADA and its partners are ramping up their efforts to dismantle the networks behind Kenya’s illicit drug trade. The authorities are committed to preventing such illegal activities from continuing to endanger public health and safety and to ensuring that those responsible for trafficking and distributing illicit substances face the full force of the law.
The operation serves as a reminder of the ongoing battle against illegal drugs and substances in Kenya, underscoring the importance of collaboration between law enforcement agencies, government bodies, and the public in tackling this pervasive issue. With the help of continued vigilance and cooperation, authorities are hopeful that more illicit substances can be intercepted, and the networks behind their distribution will be disrupted, bringing perpetrators to justice.
