Public Health PS
Mary Muthoni (in white suit) leads the inspection at the KRA warehouse in
Ngoigwa, Thika, on July 21, 2026/ HANDOUT
Authorities have recovered 66 drums of ethanol and 17,640 packets of cigarettes in an enforcement operation in Makongeni, Thika West Sub-County.
The products were found concealed beneath hides and skins during the operation, according to Public Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni.
Muthoni said the recovery was part of ongoing efforts to address illicit trade and protect public health through coordinated enforcement by multiple agencies.
“Today, we inspected confiscated cigarettes and ethanol products at the Kenya Revenue Authority warehouse in Ngoigwa, Thika, following an enforcement operation in Makongeni, Thika West Sub County, where authorities recovered 66 drums of ethanol and 17,640 packets of cigarettes concealed beneath hides and skins,” Muthoni said.
Seven suspects were arrested during the operation, with investigations ongoing.
The PS said illicit tobacco products and unregulated ethanol remain a concern because of their potential impact on public health, legitimate businesses and criminal activities.
“Illicit tobacco products and unregulated ethanol pose serious risks to public health, undermine legitimate businesses and fuel criminal networks,” she said.
She added that authorities would continue working together to address illegal trade and ensure those involved face legal action.
“We remain committed to ensuring everyone involved in this illegal trade is held accountable in accordance with the law,” Muthoni said.
The recovery in Thika comes as security agencies continue conducting operations targeting suspected illegal activities involving controlled and prohibited substances.
On July 17, the National Police Service said eight people were arrested after officers recovered 250 kilogrammes of cannabis during an overnight anti-narcotics operation in Githurai 44, Kasarani Sub-County.
The NPS said the operation was conducted after officers received intelligence and information from members of the public.
Police raided a residential property in the area and recovered cannabis alongside items believed to have been used in packaging and processing the substance.
The recovered items included 250 kilogrammes of Cannabis Sativa, 1,800 rolling papers, a 25-kilogramme bag of white polythene packaging material and a large metallic sieving mesh, according to the NPS.
The eight suspects were arrested at the scene and taken to a police station for processing before being arraigned in court.
Police said all recovered exhibits had been securely stored at the station’s exhibit store.
The latest operations highlight continued multi-agency efforts to disrupt illegal trade and address activities that authorities say pose risks to public safety and health.
