The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse on Sunday seized 810 litres of suspected illicit ethanol worth about Sh1.2 million in a crackdown on illegal alcohol networks.
The seizure followed a targeted intelligence-led operation conducted on March 29, 2026, involving NACADA officers and a multi-agency security team from Langas Police Station.
Authorities tracked a suspect vehicle from Kapsabet before intercepting it, leading to a search that uncovered 27 jerricans containing the illicit substance.
Investigators believe the ethanol is a key raw material used in manufacturing substandard alcoholic beverages commonly referred to as second-generation alcohol.
NACADA CEO Anthony Omerikwa warned that the consignment was destined for the production of dangerous counterfeit drinks that threaten public health and rob the government of revenue.
“This illicitly obtained and smuggled ethanol is widely used to produce deadly alcoholic drinks. These networks are depriving the government of significant revenue while endangering public health,” he said.
Omerikwa said the bust exposes the growing sophistication of illegal alcohol syndicates, which are increasingly exploiting porous borders and systemic loopholes to evade regulation and taxation.
The agency estimates the seized ethanol had a street value of approximately Sh1,500 per litre, bringing the total value to about Sh1.2 million. NACADA reiterated that all confiscated goods will be forfeited to the state as part of ongoing enforcement measures.
Two suspects were arrested during the operation and are expected to be arraigned in court today, as investigations continue.
Authorities say the crackdown is part of sustained efforts, in collaboration with other security agencies, to dismantle entrenched illicit alcohol networks operating across the region.
