Two suspects were arrested in raids on Kapsabet premises as NACADA and police stepped up operations against suspected counterfeit alcohol and uncustomed goods.
The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) seized thousands of bottles of suspected illicit liquor during a multi-agency operation in Kapsabet Township, Nandi County, on the morning of September 23.
Officers from Kapsabet Police Station joined the operation, which targeted two premises suspected of trading in counterfeit alcohol and uncustomed goods in Nandi Central Sub-County.
Two suspects, aged 27 and 28, were arrested at the premises. Authorities said they were expected to appear in court over alleged offences including violations of the Excise Act and dealings in uncustomed goods.
Liquor recovered at two premises
At the Shazton Hotel store near Canaan Market, officers recovered 49 cartons of Kingdom Vodka. Each carton contained 24 bottles of 200ml. They also seized 10 cartons of John’s X5 Gin, each holding 24 bottles of the same size.
A separate raid at Whispers Guest House and Restaurant yielded 118 cartons of Kingdom Vodka. Officers also reported finding another 47 pieces of the brand packed in a sack.
The operation’s stated totals were 4,008 bottles of Kingdom Vodka and 240 bottles of John’s X5 Gin. The additional 47 pieces were listed separately in the account of the recovery at Whispers Guest House and Restaurant.
The consignment was secured as evidence pending further legal procedures. The liquor remains described as suspected illicit or counterfeit alcohol, with the arrests awaiting court action.
KRA to pursue tax-related offences
The Kenya Revenue Authority has been brought into the matter to pursue suspected tax-related offences associated with the seized goods.
The raids form part of continuing efforts to tackle illegal alcohol in Nandi County. Authorities have linked the trade to increasing alcohol abuse and related health complications, and have identified it as a threat to young people in particular.
The involvement of NACADA, police and KRA brings together the alcohol-control, enforcement and tax aspects of the case. The immediate action involved both the seizure of the stock and the arrest of suspects at the two targeted locations.
NACADA urges residents to share information
Speaking during the operation, NACADA Board Director Benjamin Kuttoh said the authority would continue using intelligence-led, multi-agency operations to disrupt networks dealing in counterfeit liquor.
Kuttoh appealed to members of the public to volunteer information that could help enforcement agencies identify those profiting from the illegal trade.
Authorities said further crackdowns would take place across Nandi County and beyond. Residents were urged to report suspicious activities and cooperate with security agencies as operations against suspected illicit alcohol dealers continue.
