NACADA Leads Ruaka Raid After Illegal Alcohol Kills 13 In Kirinyaga

During the joint operation, the officers netted seven hundred and fifty (750) liters of pure ethanol in a premise within the satellite town.

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Feb 8, 2024 - 11:56
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NACADA Leads Ruaka Raid After Illegal Alcohol Kills 13 In Kirinyaga
Scenes in Ruaka, Kiambu following a crackdown on illicit drinks. /NACADA

The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) through a multi-agency operation involving officers drawn from the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) and the National Police Service (NPS) on Wednesday night, February 7 staged a raid within the Ruaka area of Kiambu County.

During the joint operation, the officers netted seven hundred and fifty (750) liters of pure ethanol in a premise within the satellite town.

Operating on intelligence, the team also recovered over forty (40) empty drums with a capacity of two hundred and fifty (250) liters each.

Illicit alcohol being poured. /FILE

The officers had suspected that the drums contained the ethanol and which was suspected to have already been ferried for illegal activities.

The operation comes immediately after another incident in Kirinyaga County where at least 13 people tragically lost their lives while others are still receiving treatment after consuming what was suspected to be illicit or counterfeited alcohol.

In response, some residents burnt down a bar which was suspected to have sold the illicit alcohol.

NACADA cautioned Kenyans against consuming this type of alcohol, terming it risky to health and could have dangerous consequences. Furthermore, counterfeit or illegally produced alcohol can lead to blindness, and even death.

The Authority affirmed that it will continue to work closely with the National Government Administrative Officers (NGAO) and other law enforcement agencies to intensify the crackdown on substandard, illicit, and counterfeit alcohol to safeguard the public from such harmful products.

"The heightened vigilance and sporadic crackdowns will continue across the country and anyone found to be complicit will face the full wrath of the law," NACADA stated in a statement to newsrooms.

NACADA appealed to members of the public to share any information that they may have regarding the illegal manufacturing, distribution, or sale of any suspicious alcohol and other forms of drugs to the authorities.

"The information can also be shared with us through our Toll Free line 1192 which is available for 24 HRS," added NACADA.

NACADA CEO, Anthony Omerikwa speaking on November 29, 2023. /NACADA KENYA

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