In a significant blow to the underground alcohol trade, the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) has intercepted a large consignment of smuggled ethanol, exposing the intricate web of corruption and porous border exploitation fueling Kenya’s counterfeit spirits crisis.
Following a high-stakes operation on March 29, NACADA CEO Dr. Anthony Omerikwa announced that Authority officers, acting on a tip-off, trailed a suspect vehicle from Kapsabet in collaboration with a multi-agency team from Langas Police Station. The operation culminated along the Kapseret–Kapsabet Road, where officers intercepted a white BMW X1, registration number KDV 905Q, being driven towards Eldoret.
Upon searching the vehicle, authorities uncovered 27 jerricans containing approximately 810 litres of suspected illicit ethanol. According to Dr. Omerikwa, this substance is the primary ingredient used to manufacture counterfeit, substandard, and dangerous second-generation alcohol that has flooded the local market.
“This illicitly obtained and smuggled ethanol is widely used to produce deadly alcoholic drinks. Culprits are exploiting our porous borders and corruption networks to import untaxed ethanol, creating a significant underground industry that evades millions in annual government revenue,” Dr. Omerikwa stated.
The seized ethanol carries a street value of 1,500 shillings per litre, with the total consignment estimated to be worth 1.2 million shillings. Dr. Omerikwa emphasized that the seizure marks a significant victory for the Authority as it intensifies efforts to dismantle the alcohol counterfeiting industry.
“Such seizures will continue in collaboration with other multi-agency teams. We are committed to disrupting these criminal networks, and all assets seized will be forfeited to the state,” he added.
Two suspects were taken into police custody and are scheduled to be arraigned in court on March 30, 2026. Authorities confirm that operations remain ongoing as the multi-agency team works to stem the tide of illicit alcohol plaguing the nation.
