The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) and Murang’a County police have seized counterfeit alcohol worth Sh1.4 million during a raid at Kahuho Market.
The operation, which took place at around 8pm on Monday night, was part of a nationwide crackdown on illicit alcohol following a directive issued under the 100-Day Rapid Results Initiative (RRI) by Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen.
According to NACADA, officers recovered 290 crates of fake alcoholic drinks including Smart Ice, Taifa Ice, Diamond Ice and Apple Ice, all bearing counterfeit Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) stamps.
Several crates of Dallas Gin were also recovered.
The products were found in a store believed to belong to Peter Nduati, popularly known as “Mike Power,” a well-known trader in the region said to be behind a network of 59 alcohol outlets in Murang’a County.
NACADA CEO Dr. Anthony Omerikwa said the suspect has a long history of involvement in illegal alcohol sales and has previously avoided arrest.
“This is not a small-time trader. He has built a large business empire on illegal alcohol, and his ability to escape the law shows how deep the problem runs,” Dr. Omerikwa said.
Although Nduati was not present during the raid, a woman believed to be the store manager was arrested and is being held at Kahuho Police Station. Authorities have launched a manhunt for the main suspect.
The seized products have been handed over to KRA investigators, while samples will be tested by the Government Chemist and the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) to determine whether they are safe for consumption.
NACADA warned that counterfeit alcohol poses serious health risks to consumers and deprives the country of tax revenue. The agency said it would continue working with other government bodies to arrest and prosecute rogue traders.
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