NACADA seizes over 4,000 bottles of suspected illicit liquor in Nandi crackdown

NACADA has seized more than 4,200 bottles of suspected illicit liquor in a multi-agency crackdown in Kapsabet, Nandi County, with two people arrested over alleged violations of excise and customs laws.

The operation, conducted in Kapsabet Township by NACADA and police officers, targeted premises suspected of dealing in counterfeit and uncustomed alcoholic products.

At Shazton Hotel store near Canaan Market, officers recovered 49 cartons of Kingdom Vodka, each containing 24 200ml bottles, and 10 cartons of John’s X5 Gin, also containing 24 bottles each.

A second raid at Whispers Guest House and Restaurant yielded 118 cartons of Kingdom Vodka and 47 additional bottles packed in a sack.

The seizures amounted to 4,008 bottles of Kingdom Vodka and 240 bottles of John’s X5 Gin.

Two suspects, aged 27 and 28, were arrested and are expected to be charged in court. The Kenya Revenue Authority has also been brought in to pursue suspected tax offences relating to the consignment.

NACADA Board Director Benjamin Kuttoh said the authority would continue intelligence-led operations targeting the illicit alcohol trade and urged members of the public to provide information on suspected dealers.

The seized alcohol has been secured as evidence as investigations and legal proceedings continue.