A government multi-agency team in Laikipia county has intercepted counterfeit alcohol and arrested a suspect linked to the illegal business.
While confirming the incident, Laikipia county Police Commander John Nyoike said the suspect identified as Martin Mukundi was arrested on Monday at about 9:30pm through a tip off from the members of the public and was found transporting 100 cartons of royal spring vodka.
Nyoike said that after the suspect’s arrest, he helped police by showing where he had been distilling the counterfeit drink at a private homestead in Thingithu ward in the outskirts of Nanyuki town.
“The suspect provided more information on where this alcohol is prepared and manufactured. He led the officers to his house and they found more alcohol,” said Nyoike.
The County Police Commander revealed that the suspect informed them he had been importing Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) stamps from China to aid in his illegal business.
Nyoike pointed out that investigation is still ongoing to establish the actual value of counterfeit alcohol seized and at the same noting that the suspect had been selling the illegal drink in the central region.
Laikipia East Deputy County Commissioner (DCC) Patrick Muli said that the illegal drink is believed to be distilled by mixing water and ethanol. “The factory has no machines and we have been informed that suspects mix only water and ethanol pack the illegal brew,” said the DCC.
Muli noted that, the fight against counterfeit alcohol is still ongoing until the vice is put to an end. He urged for partnership from the community in the fight against the drugs and substance abuse in the region.
National Authority for the Campaign Against Drugs and Substance Abuse (NACADA) Central Region Manager Amos Warui said that the government had upscaled its effort in the fight against Drugs and Substance Abuse.
“In our community, we all have young people who have been wasted by alcohol and other drugs. It’s important we talk about our responsibilities and speak up and that is why we have taken the multi-agency approach where all government agencies have a mandate in the fight against drug abuse,” said Warui.
Residents said they were shocked to learn that illegal business was being operated in their neighbourhood without their knowledge and assured to partner with authorities in the fight against illicit liquor.
Recently, authorities held a crackdown and nabbed about 2500 litres belonging to Ms. Monica Njeri who has since been arrested.
By Muturi Mwangi
