Police inspect a seizure of 481 litres of chang'aa in Kisii's Sameta subcounty, May 27, 2025. /NPS/XPolice on Tuesday arrested one suspect and seized 481 litres of chang'aa in Kisii's Sameta subcounty in the ongoing crackdown on illicit alcohol and drugs.
The National Police Service (NPS) said in a statement the targeted operation was led by Superintendent of police Lucy Mugambi at Itumbe stage.
"The officers seized 481 litres of chang'aa, a batch of a substance suspected to be cannabis sativa, two imitation FN rifles, one toy pistol, and other items believed to be used in criminal activities," the statement said.
"One person was arrested, and the items remain in police custody as investigations continue," it added.
The governmnet is currently undertaking a multi-agency nationwide crackdown on illicit alcohol and drugs, a response to the escalating public health and security concerns linked to the widespread production, distribution, and consumption of illegal brews and narcotics.
The operation is spearheaded by the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (Nacada), the National Police Service (NPS), and National Government Administration Officers (NGAO).
The crackdown has targeted notorious hotspots across several counties, including Kisii, Narok, and Murang’a, where illegal brewing and drug trafficking have thrived for years.
In Kisii County, police have intensified raids, resulting in the seizure and destruction of thousands of litres of illicit brew like chang’aa and kangara, confiscation of narcotics such as cannabis sativa, and the arrest of suspected manufacturers and distributors.
Similar operations in Narok and Murang’a have led to the destruction of large quantities of illegal alcohol and drugs, as well as the dismantling of brewing apparatus.
Authorities emphasise that the crackdown is ongoing and warn that those involved in the trade will face severe legal consequences.
Police have highlighted community cooperation as crucial in the ongoing anti-narcotics war, with residents encouraged to report suspicious activities to help eradicate the vice and protect public health.
