The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) has seized more than 5,000 litres of illicit alcohol following a multi-agency operation in Emali Town, Makueni County.
The raid, conducted jointly with other law enforcement agencies, targeted a residential complex where officers shut down an illegal brewing den operating within a housing compound. One suspect was arrested, and an unlicensed bar embedded in the residential area was also closed.
Crackdown Follows Presidential Security Directive
The operation came just a day after President William Ruto chaired a high-level security meeting at State House, Nairobi, during which substance abuse was declared a national development and security threat. The declaration triggered intensified enforcement against illicit alcohol and drug networks across the country.
NACADA Warns Financiers and ‘Big Fish’
Speaking at the scene, NACADA Chief Executive Officer Dr Anthony Omerikwa said the Authority had scaled up supply suppression efforts in line with the presidential directive.
He warned that enforcement will now go beyond arrests to include seizure of assets linked to illegal alcohol production and distribution.
“Properties found to be proceeds of illegal brewing and distribution will be seized,” Dr Omerikwa said, signalling a shift towards asset forfeiture targeting financiers of the illicit trade.
Dangerous Counterfeit Alcohol Exposed
According to NACADA, the raid uncovered a coordinated syndicate involved in producing counterfeit alcohol using industrial yeast to speed up fermentation. The Authority warned that the brew posed serious health risks, as the ingredients used are unsafe for human consumption.
“NACADA is at the forefront in leading a multifaceted, coordinated national response to this menace,” Dr Omerikwa stated.
“The so-called ‘big fish’ should be warned: we are stopping at nothing. We are coming for you, and you will pay for your heinous crimes.”
Public Intelligence Praised
Dr Omerikwa credited members of the public for providing critical intelligence that led to the successful operation, noting that community cooperation is increasingly key to dismantling illicit alcohol networks.
“We laud the public for continuing to volunteer valuable information that is leading to high-profile arrests and the apprehension of those previously deemed ‘untouchable’,” he said.
NACADA Issues Hotline Reminder
As enforcement intensifies nationwide, NACADA has urged Kenyans to report illegal brewing and distribution through its 24-hour toll-free hotline: 1192.
