Nyeri: NACADA Siezes KSh 17.5m Counterfeit Liquour in Midnight Raid
- The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse conducted a midnight operation that targeted Zidane Wines and Spirits in Ruring’u
- During the high-stakes operation, they were able to seize counterfeit liquor that was worth KSh 17.5 million
- The authority gave a list of other counterfeit commodities that the prime suspect was found with during the raid
Faith Chandianya, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over three years of experience covering politics and Current Affairs in Kenya
Nyeri: National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) has announced the seizure of counterfeit drinks and fake revenue stamps worth KSh 17.5 million in a high-stakes operation.
Source: Facebook
The raid targeted Zidane Wines and Spirits, an outlet in Ruring’u linked to a man identified as Lazaro Mengo Ndung’u.
Acting on intelligence reports, officers moved in swiftly, cordoning off the premises and recovering a staggering haul of contraband products.
What other items did NACADA seize during Nyeri operation?
Among the brands confiscated were nine cartons of Sweet Berry Vodka, eight cartons of Dallas Gin, 36 cartons of Trace Vodka, 18 crates of Jambo Ice liquor, 125 litres of ethanol, 3 crates of Viena Ice, 12 crates of Diamond Ice, eight crates of Jambo Ice, and 10 cartons of best classic.
Fake Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) stamps, used to disguise the illegal goods as legitimate, were also seized.
According to NACADA, Ndung'u, who is a prime suspect, was arrested on-site, is no stranger to the law.
He currently has three pending court cases, all tied to counterfeit alcohol.
Speaking after the raid, NACADA CEO Anthony Omerikwa said the Authority decided to “smoke him out” to send a strong message to other offenders.
“This arrest should serve as a clear warning to all who profit from poisoning our communities. Lazaro has repeatedly attempted to circumvent justice, but his time has run out. Anyone involved in this illicit trade should know their day in court is coming,” Omerikwa declared.
NACADA affirms crackdown on illicit brews
Omerikwa further emphasised that NACADA is fully committed to implementing the directive by Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen on the 100 Days Rapid Results Initiative (RRI) against illicit alcohol.
“Today marks the third day since the directive was issued, and as you can see, operations have already been scaled up countrywide. We are leaving no stone unturned in the fight to rid our nation of counterfeit and toxic liquor,” he affirmed.
The crackdown also highlights the urgency of implementing proposals in the recently launched National Alcohol Policy 2025, which prioritises stricter regulation, enhanced enforcement, and consumer protection from harmful alcohol products.
As the multi-agency team intensifies its efforts, today’s bust in Nyeri stands as a clear reminder: the war against illicit alcohol is relentless, and those who profit from it will face the full force of the law.
NACADA seizes counterfeit alcohol worth KSh 1.4million
This comes a day after a high-level operation by NACADA and the Murang'a police command conducted a high-level operation at the Kahuho Market.
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In the raid conducted the night before Jukwaa la Usalama Murang'a County edition, the officers uncovered counterfeit liquor that was worth KSh 1.4 million.
The operation, which was conducted at around 8 pm, was part of the 100-day Rapid Result Initiative against illicit brew as directed by the Interior CS.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
