Officials from the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) have seized thousands of litres of counterfeit alcohol in a pre-dawn raid in Ahero /HANDOUT
Officials from the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) have seized thousands of litres of counterfeit alcohol in a pre-dawn raid in Ahero.
The operation, which was led by NACADA in collaboration with other agencies, targeted premises believed to be involved in producing and distributing fake liquor.
A simultaneous search at a separate residence linked to the same suspect uncovered warehouses containing empty plastic bottles and unlabelled packaging cartons, authorities said.
NACADA officers said the seized items included alleged counterfeit spirits and a significant quantity of alcohol believed to be produced in Uganda and packaged in unlabelled 250ml plastic sachets.
The raid reportedly turned chaotic after the primary suspect arrived at the scene and attempted to enter the premises.
NACADA officers said a group of people began throwing stones at security personnel, allegedly attempting to disrupt the operation. Officers maintained their positions and continued the seizure.
In a statement following the raid, NACADA Chief Executive Officer Anthony Omerikwa said the operation was part of a renewed enforcement campaign against drug and substance abuse.
“This discovery is a direct result of our sustained intelligence-led operations,” Omerikwa said.
“Let this be a warning to all those dealing in counterfeit substances. They will be held accountable.”
Omerikwa added that the agency would pursue legal action, including the possible confiscation of assets acquired through criminal enterprise, under applicable laws.
The raid follows another NACADA operation in Ahero the previous day, during which officers seized cannabis estimated at Sh4 million from a residential location opposite Ahero Girls High School.
Omerikwa said the back-to-back operations represent an escalation of NACADA’s enforcement strategy.
“This is in strict alignment with the Presidential directive to intensify the fight against drug abuse across the nation,” he said.
“We are moving into every hotspot, without fear or favour.”
The seized alcohol has been moved to a Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) facility pending verification and analysis as prosecution procedures begin.