NACADA Storms Meru County In Fight Against Illegal Alcohol
NACADA revealed that this decisive action is part of its commitment to curbing the availability and consumption of harmful, unregulated alcoholic substances in Kenya
Viral Tea Ke Writer 
The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) intensified its enforcement activities in Meru County, dealing a significant blow to illicit alcohol production and distribution over the weekend.
In a targeted operation within Mbeu Village, Tigania West Sub-County, NACADA enforcement officers together with their counterparts from the National Police Service (NPS) apprehended a notorious brewer known for supplying illicit liquor in the locality.
During the raid, officers recovered 200 litres of suspected illicit brew (locally called mugaca) at the suspect's compound. Additionally, empty sachets of instant yeast, sugar, molasses, and other ingredients believed to be used in manufacturing the illegal liquor were seized.
In a separate operation later that day, NACADA enforcement officers uncovered an industrial-scale brewery in the Majengo estate of Meru town.
NACADA Head of Enforcement Superintendent of Police Nicholas Kosgey during the operation. /HANDOUT
"The well-concealed facility was well equipped with an assortment of distilling apparatus, pointing to large-scale production and distribution of illicit alcohol (chang’aa). The discovery highlights the growing sophistication of illicit brewers and the challenges facing authorities in addressing the menace," NACADA revealed in a statement sent to Viral Tea.
All suspects involved in the two operations were taken into custody and booked at Meru Police Station, where they await further police action. NACADA says it has reaffirmed its collaboration with law enforcement agencies to ensure thorough investigations and the prosecution of individuals engaging in the illegal trade.
NACADA revealed that this decisive action is part of its commitment to curbing the availability and consumption of harmful, unregulated alcoholic substances in Kenya, which pose serious health risks and undermine societal well-being.
Speaking after the operation, NACADA Head of Enforcement Superintendent of Police Nicholas Kosgey emphasized the importance of community cooperation in addressing the challenge.
"We urge members of the public to continue providing information that can help us identify and dismantle these illegal operations. Together, we can protect our communities from the harmful effects of illicit brews," he stated.
NACADA added that it remains steadfast in its mission to promote a drug-free society and safeguard the health of all Kenyans. These operations underscore the Authority’s commitment to combating illicit alcohol and safeguarding public safety.
"The fight against illicit brews is ongoing, and NACADA encourages citizens to report suspicious activities through the toll-free helpline, 1192," added the statement.
On February 16, 2024, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, during his tenure as Interior Cabinet Secretary (CS), directed that a nationwide crackdown be carried out on all bars in the country and for the illicit alcohol menace to be treated just like terrorism and banditry.
The order came after the death of over 13 people in Kirinyaga County who consumed illicit brew in early February.
