Nacada Intensifies Crackdown: 240 Counterfeit Alcohol Bottles Seized in Mukuru Kwa Njenga

A multi-agency operation in an informal settlement has dealt another blow to the illicit alcohol trade, with one suspect now facing charges in court.

The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (Nacada) has seized 240 assorted counterfeit alcoholic beverages bearing fake Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) excise stamps in Mukuru Kwa Njenga, Embakasi South. The raid, conducted on Sunday afternoon, also resulted in the arrest of one suspect, who was booked at Jogoo Road Police Station pending arraignment.

Multi-Agency Operation

The operation brought together a formidable team of enforcement officers from:

• Nacada
• Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA)
• Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS)
• Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA)
• National Police Service

This collaborative approach underscores the government’s determination to dismantle the illegal trade in counterfeit alcohol and narcotics.

Recent Successes in the Crackdown

The Mukuru Kwa Njenga seizure comes barely days after similar operations in Eastleigh, Jericho, and South B, where authorities recovered hundreds of counterfeit alcoholic drinks alongside a large cache of narcotics.

According to Nacada, these successive operations demonstrate the effectiveness of its intelligence-led enforcement approach in disrupting the illegal trade.

Nacada CEO Issues Stern Warning

Nacada Chief Executive Officer Dr Anthony Omerikwa reaffirmed the Authority’s unwavering commitment to protecting Kenyans from the dangers of counterfeit and illicit alcohol, warning that the crackdown would continue with full force.

“The Authority continues to hand counterfeiters and their associates deadly blows in their illegal trade,” said Dr Omerikwa.

He further emphasized the importance of public partnership in the fight, stating:

“We cannot win this fight alone. The partnership between the Authority and the public is yielding tangible results, and we urge more Kenyans to join us in safeguarding our communities from the harms of counterfeit and illicit alcohol.”

Focus on Vulnerable Communities

The Mukuru Kwa Njenga operation highlights Nacada’s strategic focus on informal settlements, where unscrupulous traders may target vulnerable consumers with cheap, dangerous products.

The seized products, which bore fake excise stamps, pose serious health risks to consumers, including:

• Poisoning
• Organ failure
• Death

How the Public Can Help

Dr Omerikwa called on Kenyans to remain vigilant and report suspicious outlets or activities through:

• Nacada’s official social media platforms
• Free helpline: 1192

He assured the public that all information shared with the Authority would be treated with utmost confidentiality and acted upon promptly.

What’s Next

The suspect arrested in Mukuru Kwa Njenga is expected to face charges in court as Nacada and its partners continue their sustained campaign. The Authority has confirmed that more raids are planned in other high-risk areas across the country.

Key Takeaways

• 240 counterfeit bottles seized – All bearing fake KRA excise stamps.
• One suspect arrested – Booked at Jogoo Road Police Station.
• Multi-agency effort – Nacada, KRA, KEBS, ACA, and Police working together.
• Public urged to report – Via helpline 1192 or social media.
• More raids imminent – High-risk areas remain under surveillance.