The national Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) spearheaded a multi-agency initiative to intensify its ongoing efforts against illicit alcohol. On Monday, officials raided a location in Mukuru Kwa Njenga, Embakasi South, successfully seizing 240 assorted counterfeit alcoholic beverages that displayed fraudulent KRA stamps.
This operation involved officers from NACADA, the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS), the Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA), and the National Police Service, leading to the arrest of one suspect, who is currently held at Jogoo Road Police Station awaiting court proceedings.
This recent seizure follows a series of successful operations in Eastleigh, Jericho, and South B, where authorities recovered hundreds of counterfeit alcoholic drinks alongside a significant quantity of narcotics. These consecutive successes highlight the Authority’s effective, intelligence-driven enforcement strategy, which has delivered significant setbacks to counterfeiters and drug traffickers engaged in illegal activities.
Chief Executive Officer Dr. Anthony Omerikwa reaffirmed the Authority’s unwavering dedication to safeguarding Kenyans from the perils of counterfeit and illicit alcohol, emphasizing that the crackdown will persist relentlessly.
“The Authority continues to deliver substantial setbacks to counterfeiters and their associates in their illegal trade,” stated Dr. Omerikwa. “We invite the public to collaborate with us in this critical mission, as the information they provide has been instrumental in achieving the successful seizures witnessed nationwide.”
The Mukuru Kwa Njenga operation exemplifies the Authority’s commitment to eliminating counterfeit alcohol, particularly in informal settlements where vulnerable communities are frequently exploited by dishonest traders. The seized products, marked with counterfeit excise stamps, posed significant health hazards to unsuspecting consumers, including risks of poisoning, organ failure, and even fatal outcomes.
Dr. Omerikwa urged Kenyans to stay vigilant and report any suspicious establishments or activities to the Authority through its official social media channels or the free helpline at 1192. He reassured the public that all information shared with NACADA is handled with the utmost confidentiality and acted upon swiftly.
“We cannot succeed in this battle alone. The collaboration between the Authority and the public is yielding tangible results, and we encourage more Kenyans to join us in protecting our communities from the dangers of counterfeit and illicit alcohol,” he emphasized.
The suspect apprehended in Mukuru Kwa Njenga will face the full extent of the law, as NACADA remains committed to ensuring that offenders are brought to justice. The Authority has stressed that this crackdown represents an ongoing campaign, not a one-time effort, aimed at eradicating counterfeit alcohol and narcotics from the country. Additional operations are scheduled in other high-risk areas nationwide as NACADA steadfastly pursues its mission to safeguard public health and safety.
