The NACADA-led operation in Kapsabet targeted suspected illicit alcohol at two premises. (Photo: capitalfm.africa)
Two suspects were arrested during raids on premises in Kapsabet, with KRA brought in to investigate possible tax offences linked to the seized alcohol.
The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) and police have seized thousands of bottles of suspected illicit liquor during a multi-agency crackdown in Kapsabet Township, Nandi County.
According to Capital FM, the operation took place on the morning of September 23 and targeted two premises suspected of trading in counterfeit and illicit alcohol. Officers from Kapsabet Police Station participated in the raids in Nandi Central Sub-County.
Two suspects, aged 27 and 28, were arrested. The seized alcohol was retained as evidence as authorities prepared for further legal proceedings.
Alcohol recovered from two premises
At the Shazton Hotel store near Canaan Market, officers recovered 49 cartons of Kingdom Vodka. Each carton contained 24 bottles measuring 200ml, according to the report.
The same search yielded 10 cartons of John’s X5 Gin, also containing 24 bottles of 200ml each. That recovery amounted to 240 bottles of the gin.
During a separate raid at Whispers Guest House and Restaurant, officers seized 118 cartons of Kingdom Vodka. They also reported finding another 47 pieces of the same brand packed in a sack.
The report gave the overall recovery as 4,008 bottles of Kingdom Vodka and 240 bottles of John’s X5 Gin. However, the stated vodka total corresponds to the 167 cartons recovered across the two locations and does not account for the additional 47 pieces reported in the sack.
Suspects face legal action
The two people arrested are expected to appear in court over alleged offences including violations of the Excise Act and dealings in uncustomed goods. The report did not identify them by name or specify when they would be arraigned.
The Kenya Revenue Authority has also been brought into the investigation to pursue possible tax-related offences associated with the consignment.
The alcohol was described as suspected second-generation liquor. The report did not provide laboratory findings confirming whether the products were counterfeit or unsafe.
NACADA urges residents to share information
NACADA Board Director Benjamin Kuttoh said the authority would continue using intelligence-led operations involving multiple agencies to disrupt suspected counterfeit alcohol networks.
Speaking during the crackdown, he appealed to members of the public to provide information that could help officers identify people profiting from the illegal trade.
Authorities linked the enforcement effort to concerns about alcohol abuse and related health complications. They said further operations would take place across Nandi County and elsewhere, rather than ending with the Kapsabet raids.
Residents were urged to report suspicious activities and cooperate with security agencies as investigations into the seized consignment proceed.
