NACADA Seizes Millions Worth of Illicit Alcohol in Kapsabet, Escalates Crackdown on Counterfeit Brews

The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) seized illicit alcohol worth millions of shillings on Friday during a multi-agency raid in Kapsabet town. Officers targeted suspected counterfeit alcohol outlets linked to illegal trade.

During the morning operation, teams from NACADA and the National Police Service (NPS) raided three premises. They recovered large quantities of smuggled Ugandan-made brews packed in plastic bottles and sachets. Hundreds of cartons of suspected counterfeit branded spirits were also confiscated.

One suspect was arrested, while another, believed to be the main distributor, escaped. Authorities impounded a vehicle linked to the suspect. The vehicle was found transporting large consignments of illicit alcohol. The seized products were taken to Kapsabet Police Station and will undergo analysis by the government chemist before prosecution.

NACADA Chief Executive Officer Dr. Anthony Omerikwa said the suspect who escaped is already known to authorities and has pending cases related to similar offences. He added that asset recovery proceedings will be initiated against those behind the illegal trade.

Nandi County has been identified as a hotspot for illicit and toxic alcohol consumption. Authorities link several recent deaths in the region to cheap brews suspected of containing harmful substances, including methanol.

Local leaders and residents who witnessed the raid praised the operation. They called for continued enforcement, warning that the illegal sale of alcohol remains a serious public health threat. “This crackdown must continue,” said one resident.

The operation marks a strengthened effort to curb counterfeit and smuggled alcohol in the North Rift. Authorities are targeting manufacturers, distributors, and sellers involved in the illegal trade. Dr. Omerikwa said the operation is part of NACADA’s wider campaign to protect public health and prevent further alcohol-related fatalities.

Officials stressed that cooperation between NACADA, police, and local communities is key to tackling illicit alcohol. Residents have been urged to report suspicious activities and avoid consuming cheap, unverified brews. The crackdown aims to restore safety and ensure that only regulated alcohol reaches the market.