A multi-agency team led by the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) has seized counterfeit alcohol and fake tax stamps worth Sh17.5 million in Nyeri County.
The Wednesday morning raid targeted Zidane Wines and Spirits in Ruring’u, a premises linked to well-known counterfeiter Lazaro Mengo Ndung’u. Acting on intelligence reports, officers cordoned off the premises and recovered a large haul of fake and toxic liquor.
Among the products confiscated were nine cartons of Sweet Berry Vodka, eight cartons of Dallas Gin, 36 cartons of Trace Vodka, 18 crates of Jambo Ice liquor, 125 litres of ethanol, three crates of Viena Ice, 12 crates of Diamond Ice, eight crates of Jambo Ice, and 10 cartons of BEST Classic. Fake Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) stamps, used to disguise the illicit goods, were also recovered.
The main suspect, Lazaro Mengo Ndung’u, was arrested at the scene. Authorities revealed that he already has three pending court cases linked to counterfeit alcohol. NACADA CEO Dr. Anthony Omerikwa said the raid was meant to send a strong message to offenders.
“This arrest should serve as a clear warning to all who profit from poisoning our communities. Lazaro has repeatedly attempted to circumvent justice, but his time has run out. Anyone involved in this illicit trade should know their day in court is coming,” Dr. Omerikwa stated.
He added that the crackdown is part of the government’s 100 Days Rapid Results Initiative (RRI) on illicit alcohol, recently launched by Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen.
“Today marks the third day since the directive was issued, and as you can see, operations have already been scaled up countrywide. We are leaving no stone unturned in the fight to rid our nation of counterfeit and toxic liquor,” Dr. Omerikwa affirmed.
The operation also reinforces the urgency of the National Alcohol Policy 2025, which calls for tighter regulation, stronger enforcement, and greater consumer protection from harmful alcohol products.
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