In a decisive blow against the illegal alcohol trade, the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) led a multi-agency enforcement operation that uncovered counterfeit alcohol and fake revenue stamps worth Sh17.5 million in the early hours of Friday morning.
The targeted raid took place at Zidane Wines and Spirits, an outlet in Ruring’u, Nyeri County, linked to well-known counterfeiter Lazaro Mengo Ndung’u.
Acting on credible intelligence, enforcement officers swiftly moved in, sealing off the premises and recovering a large cache of contraband goods.
Among the seized items were:
- 36 cartons of Trace Vodka
- 18 crates and 8 cartons of Jambo Ice
- 9 cartons of Sweet Berry Vodka
- 8 cartons of Dallas Gin
- 125 litres of ethanol
- 3 crates of Viena Ice
- 12 crates of Diamond Ice
- 10 cartons of BEST Classic
- Dozens of fake Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) stamps
Lazaro Mengo Ndung’u was arrested during the raid. A repeat offender, Ndung’u is already facing three active court cases related to the manufacture and distribution of counterfeit alcohol.
His arrest is seen as a major win for law enforcement agencies grappling with the illicit alcohol menace across the country.
Speaking shortly after the operation, NACADA CEO Dr. Anthony Omerikwa described the arrest as a “firm warning” to others in the illegal alcohol business.
“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,” said Dr. Omerikwa.
The raid is part of a broader crackdown under the 100-Day Rapid Results Initiative (RRI) on illicit alcohol, a directive recently issued by Interior Cabinet Secretary Hon. Kipchumba Murkomen.
Dr. Omerikwa noted that while the operation is only three days into the RRI campaign, enforcement actions have already been intensified countrywide.
“We are leaving no stone unturned in the fight to rid our nation of counterfeit and toxic liquor,” he affirmed.
Today’s seizure also adds urgency to the implementation of the National Alcohol Policy 2025, which was recently unveiled to combat rising concerns over unregulated alcohol production.
The policy emphasizes stricter regulations, enhanced enforcement, and consumer protection as key pillars in safeguarding public health and safety.
As NACADA and its partners continue their nationwide sweep, the Nyeri operation underscores a strong message: the war on illicit alcohol is far from over and the consequences for offenders are only getting tougher.
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