A multi-agency team led by the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) has uncovered two major counterfeit alcohol operations in Mombasa and Nairobi, leading to the seizure of large quantities of suspected illicit products and the arrest of suspects.
According to NACADA, the officers conducted early morning raids in Mombasa, Kongowea, targeting four outlets and the residence of a suspect believed to be a key player in the illicit alcohol trade.
The operation led to the recovery of a large consignment of suspected counterfeit alcohol, some bearing Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) excise stamps that failed verification, while others were labelled as different legitimate brands.
The four outlets were also found to be operating without valid liquor licences.
NACADA Chief Executive Officer Anthony Omerikwa said the suspect’s residence was located next to Kongowea Primary School raising concern over public safety.
“It is utterly shocking that a counterfeiting hub is located next to a school and within a residential area,” Dr. Omerikwa stated.
“This signals the new, desperate tactics being employed by these criminals following heightened pressure and seizures by the Government in line with the Presidential directive on the renewed fight against alcohol and drug abuse.”
In a separate operation in Nairobi, the NACADA-led team, working with the National Police Service and KRA, raided a distributor along Kirinyaga Road in the Central Business District.
The raid followed complaints from legitimate brand owners and resulted in the arrest of one suspect and the recovery of 7,352 bottles of assorted suspected counterfeit alcohol, equivalent to 312 cartons.
The suspect was detained at Jogoo Road Police Station, while the seized exhibits were secured by KRA at a warehouse along Mombasa Road pending further investigations.
NACADA said the operations demonstrate increased enforcement against illicit alcohol trade, noting that criminal networks have continued to shift their activities into residential areas and educational zones in an attempt to avoid detection.
