JOSKA, Machakos County – In a lightning afternoon raid, a multi-agency team led by the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) has dismantled a major counterfeit alcohol manufacturing hub in Joska, just days after the high-profile Emali operation.
Acting on intelligence, the officers descended on an unassuming outlet within the bustling area, uncovering an operation described as a “poison factory.” The haul was staggering: hundreds of empty 250ml bottles, all professionally packaged with labels mimicking at least seven popular second-generation alcoholic spirit brands, stood ready for filling.
The raid also yielded large volumes of already bottled counterfeit and expired alcoholic drinks, destined for unsuspecting consumers in the region. One suspect was apprehended on-site and is currently in custody assisting with investigations into what authorities believe is a sophisticated syndicate.
NACADA Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Anthony Omerikwa, hailed the operation as a direct result of the renewed government offensive against substance abuse. “This intelligence-led operation in Joska is a clear part of the fulfilment of the Presidential directive to wage total war on the scourge of alcohol and drug abuse in our nation,” he stated.
Dr. Omerikwa issued a stern warning to all those profiting from the illicit trade, emphasizing that the crackdown is far from over. “To all those merchants of death involved in the manufacture and sale of these poisonous substances, hear this clearly: NACADA and our multi-agency partners will not relent. We will pursue you, we will shut down your operations, ensure you are behind bars, and we will have your properties seized. Your time is up.”
The Joska bust highlights a sinister trend in the illicit alcohol trade: the cloning of legitimate brands. The presence of branded bottles and packaging materials suggests a criminal enterprise with significant logistical networks for distribution. Health experts warn that such counterfeit products often contain lethal levels of methanol and other toxic adulterants, posing severe risks of blindness, organ failure, and death.
Residents of Joska expressed relief at the operation, with many saying they had long suspected illicit activities in the area. This successful raid signals that the nationwide crackdown, re-energized by a recent presidential executive order, is moving with speed and precision, shifting from roadside confiscations to targeting the very heart of the supply chain. The message is unambiguous: the net is closing in.
