Three arrested as NACADA seizes counterfeit alcohol, uncustomed cigarettes in Meru

The early morning operation, led by the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) alongside police officers, targeted a compound that had been under surveillance for several weeks.

Officers found a large stockpile of suspected counterfeit spirits bearing fake excise stamps, as well as cartons of contraband cigarettes, including Supermatch and Oris brands.

Among those arrested is a man described by police as an influential distributor who allegedly supplied the illicit products through a network of boda boda riders and local kiosks

The suspects are expected to be arraigned after chemical analysis of the seized alcoholic beverages.

NACADA CEO Dr Anthony Omerikwa commended the multi-agency team for the operation, warning those involved in the manufacture and distribution of illicit alcohol and drugs that they will face the full force of the law.

“As part of the response to the increased alcohol counterfeiting and drug use countrywide, the Authority is leaving no stone unturned in bringing to book all those involved in this criminal enterprise,” said Dr Omerikwa.

He also credited members of the public with providing information that led to the raid.

“We thank the public for volunteering information which has led to this successful operation. We encourage them to keep sharing the same with the Authority to help us keep our communities safe from drugs,” he added.

Residents welcomed the arrests, citing the impact of illicit alcohol on young people in the area.

One resident told our reporter that two young men from the village were buried last month after allegedly consuming a black-bottle brew.

NACADA says the operation forms part of an intensified nationwide crackdown on illicit alcohol and drugs amid concerns over alcohol poisoning and substance abuse among young people.

The suspects will remain innocent until proven guilty by a court of law.