15 Arrested As NACADA Goes After Alcohol Joints In Latest Crackdown

The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) has announced the arrest of 15 people during its most recent crackdown conducted in Mombasa County.

According to a statement obtained by Viral Tea, the authority had taken its compliance and enforcement efforts to the coastal city with a series of crackdowns on alcohol dispensing outlets.

This was carried out as part of ongoing efforts to ensure compliance with the Alcoholic Drinks Control Act (ADCA) 2010.

"Leading a multi-agency team, the operations come in the wake of sustained government drug supply suppression initiatives aimed at firmly dealing with the alcohol and drug abuse challenge in the country," stated the authority.

Speaking during the crackdowns, NACADA Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dr Anthony Omerikwa emphasized the importance of strict enforcement of the ADCA 2010, urging proprietors of alcohol dispensing outlets to take proactive measures to ensure their businesses operate within the law.

“Our goal is to protect the public, especially vulnerable groups like the youth, from the dangers of unregulated alcohol outlets. This crackdown will help ensure compliance with the law, curb illicit trade, and reduce the harmful effects of alcohol abuse.

"By enforcing the Alcoholic Drinks Control Act (ADCA) 2010, authorities can curb illegal sales, reduce the availability of harmful alcoholic products, and ensure that outlets comply with legal standards, ultimately protecting consumers from unsafe practices,” Omerikwa said.

According to NACADA, crackdowns on alcohol dispensing outlets are an effective strategy in the campaign against alcohol and drug abuse in Kenya because they directly target the root of the problem, that is, unregulated and non-compliant establishments.

The authority noted that many of these outlets sell alcohol to minors, operate without licenses, or stock illicit brews, all of which contribute to rampant alcohol abuse and its associated social and health problems.

“In total, we visited 14 establishments within Bamburi, Kisauni, and the Central Business District areas of Mombasa County, and cumulatively 15 suspects were placed in custody for flouting various requirements of the regulations and laws related to alcohol dispensing outlets. All of them are undergoing due court,” added the CEO.

These crackdowns demonstrate the government's commitment to public health and safety while promoting responsible consumption which is crucial in NACADA's broader mission to reduce alcohol and drug abuse across Kenya.

NACADA's action came more than a week after it issued a statement expressing concern regarding the risks posed by alcohol and drug use as students began travelling back to schools for the Third Term.

It pinpointed private and public vehicles as possible hotspots for alcohol and drug use and distribution during the reopening period, though acknowledging that it is aware of students' pressures and risks, both within and outside the school environments, and their ability to trigger substance use. 

"It is our collective responsibility to protect our children from the dangers posed by alcohol and drug use.

"We urge parents, guardians, school authorities, and all of us to remain vigilant. Parents should also monitor their children's travel arrangements and ensure they know the potential dangers during transit," the statement read in part.

The authority encouraged schools to empower students through education and open communication about the risks associated with alcohol and drug use.