Authorities seized 35 containers of suspected illegal ethanol in Webuye
on Friday during a multi-agency crackdown targeting illicit substances.
The intercepted lorry, stopped during a joint operation involving the National
Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA), police, and
KRA officers, was ferrying the ethanol concealed under cartons of milk in an
apparent attempt to evade detection.
Each container held 250 litres of a clear liquid suspected to be ethanol,
which investigators believe was intended for illicit alcohol production.
“This was not just an attempt to break the law; it was an intentional
move to endanger lives,” said NACADA CEO Dr. Anthony Omerikwa, who led the
operation on the ground.
Samples of the liquid have been sent to the Government Chemist for
testing to confirm its contents.
Dr. Omerikwa praised the collaboration between agencies, calling the
seizure a “testament to what inter-agency coordination can achieve.”
“This successful operation is a testament to what inter-agency collaboration
can achieve. I applaud our partners in the police and KRA for their vigilance and
commitment to public safety,” he said.
“We will not relent in pursuing those involved in the manufacture,
trafficking, and sale of illegal or uncustomised substances. Their assets will
be traced and seized under the Proceeds of Crime and Anti-Money Laundering
framework,” he added.
He urged the public to support anti-drug efforts by reporting suspicious
activity anonymously through NACADA’s toll-free hotline 1192.
“More seizures and apprehensions are possible if we break silos and pool
our efforts. The networks fueling this trade thrive on communication gaps. We
must close them,” Omerikwa said.
“Community support is crucial. Let us protect our youth and safeguard the
future.”
Authorities have launched investigations to trace the origin and
destination of the shipment as efforts intensify to dismantle networks behind
Kenya’s illicit alcohol trade.
