Counterfeit alcohol, uncustomed cigarettes seized in NACADA Meru operation

The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) carried out a multi-agency security operation in Laare Division of Igembe North Subcounty, Meru County. During an early morning raid, they dismantled a major illicit alcohol and contraband cigarette network. Thousands of bottles of suspected counterfeit alcohol and over 900 packets of uncustomed cigarettes were seized.

Three suspects, including a notorious distributor, were arrested. The operation targeted a compound that had been under surveillance for weeks. Inside a store room, officers found a massive stockpile of fake spirits with forged excise stamps, along with cartons of contraband cigarettes like Supermatch and Oris. The suspects will be arraigned pending chemical analysis of the seized beverages.

NACADA claims the main suspect had been on their radar for some time, using a network of motorbike riders and local shops to distribute the harmful products. This operation is part of a nationwide crackdown on illicit alcohol and drugs, spurred by a rise in methanol poisoning and drug abuse among youth. NACADA CEO Dr. Anthony Omerikwa praised the multi-agency team and warned those involved in the illicit trade.

He thanked the public for their information, urging them to keep reporting suspicious activities. Local residents welcomed the arrests, noting the trade had ruined young lives. One resident mentioned that two young men from the village had passed away after consuming a black bottle brew. Authorities urged continued vigilance, stating the battle against illicit trade remains ongoing. The suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty.