The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA), in a multi-agency operation, has seized thousands of bottles of suspected illicit liquor and uncustomed goods in Kapsabet Township, Nandi Central Sub County.

The operation, conducted alongside officers from Kapsabet Police Station, targeted premises suspected of dealing in counterfeit and illicit alcohol. The crackdown is part of ongoing efforts to curb the distribution of illegal brews blamed for alcohol abuse and related health complications.

At a store at Shazton Hotel near Canaan Market, authorities seized 49 cartons of Kingdom Vodka, each containing 24 bottles of 200ml, as well as 10 cartons of John’s X5 Gin, also containing 24 bottles of 200ml each.

In a separate raid at Whispers Guest House and Restaurant, officers recovered 118 cartons of Kingdom Vodka and an additional 47 bottles of the same brand packed in a sack.

In total, the operation yielded 4,008 bottles of Kingdom Vodka and 240 bottles of John’s X5 Gin.

Two suspects, aged 27 and 28, were arrested at the two premises. They are expected to be arraigned in court to face charges relating to violations of the Excise Act and dealing in uncustomed goods.

The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has also been brought in to pursue possible tax related offences.

Speaking during the operation, NACADA Board Director Benjamin Kuttoh reaffirmed the Authority’s commitment to dismantling networks involved in the manufacture and distribution of illicit alcohol.

“The Authority continues to carry out intelligence led, multi-agency operations against counterfeiters,” Kuttoh said. “I call on the public to keep volunteering information that will help rid society of criminal elements profiteering from this trade.”

Authorities said the crackdown will continue across Nandi County and other parts of the country. Residents have been urged to report suspicious activities to security agencies as the government intensifies efforts to combat the illicit alcohol trade.

  APERIT FM HII NI YETU