KYANUNDU/SYONGILA, Kenya – In back-to-back intelligence-led operations over the past 48 hours, NACADA enforcement officers have seized 640 pieces of suspected counterfeit alcoholic spirits and 560 rolls of cannabis, arresting two suspects just as the Easter holiday and school closure period triggered a nationwide high alert.
The first operation occurred on April 2, 2026, at around 1200 hours at Syongila Market, Kitui County, where officers intercepted a distributor found with 32 boxes of spirits (250ml each), totaling 640 pieces of suspected counterfeit alcohol. The suspect was booked at Kitui Police Station pending product analysis.
The second, larger seizure unfolded on April 3, 2026, at approximately 1930 hours at Mtu wa Ngombe Market, Kyanundu Shopping Centre, Mwingi.
In a multi-agency raid led by NACADA and supported by National Government Administrative Officers (NGAO) from Kisama Sublocation and Mwingi Central Sub-County, officers arrested a suspected notorious distributor of cannabis sativa (bhang) believed to supply school-going children and youths.
The suspect led officers to his residential house in Kirita Village, where additional exhibits were recovered, including 560 rolls of suspected bhang, Ksh. 6,650 in cash suspected to be drug proceeds, 8 rolling papers, 66 sachets of cannabis seeds, one dagger, and a police smoke jacket.
The suspect is being held at Mwingi Police Station and will be arraigned at Mwingi Law Courts.
NACADA CEO Dr. Anthony Omerikwa said the Authority is on high alert during this Easter period, which also coincides with schools closing, with a clear view to protecting children, youth, and communities from the effects of drugs and alcohol abuse.
“We are fully aware that traffickers see this holiday as a prime window to target our young people. Multi-agency operations have been heightened across the country,” Dr. Omerikwa stated.
He added: “The Authority is taking all directives by the President on the renewed fight against drugs seriously, and we are working tirelessly to ensure they are all implemented fully.”
The operations underscore the continued commitment by multi-agency teams to combat drug trafficking and substance abuse nationwide.
