NACADA Seizes Counterfeit Alcohol, Bhang Rolls in Easter Crackdown
NAIROBI, Kenya Apr 4 – The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) has seized hundreds of counterfeit alcoholic drinks and rolls of cannabis in two separate intelligence-led operations in Kitui County, as authorities heighten surveillance during the Easter holiday and school closure period.
In the first operation conducted on April 2 at around noon, NACADA enforcement officers raided Syongila Market, where they intercepted a suspected distributor in possession of 32 boxes of spirits. Each box contained 250ml bottles, bringing the total to 640 pieces of suspected counterfeit alcohol.
The suspect was arrested and later booked at Kitui Police Station, where the seized products are awaiting further analysis.
A day later, on April 3 at approximately 7:30 p.m., officers carried out a second operation at Mtu wa Ngombe Market in Kyanundu Shopping Centre, Mwingi. The multi-agency raid, led by NACADA and supported by National Government Administrative Officers (NGAO) from Kisama Sublocation and Mwingi Central Sub-County, resulted in the arrest of a suspected cannabis dealer.
Authorities believe the suspect has been supplying bhang to school-going children and youths in the area.
Following the arrest, the suspect led officers to his residence in Kirita Village, where additional items were recovered. These included 560 rolls of suspected cannabis, Sh6,650 in cash believed to be proceeds of the trade, eight rolling papers, 66 sachets of cannabis seeds, a dagger, and a police smoke jacket.
The suspect is currently being held at Mwingi Police Station and is expected to be arraigned at Mwingi Law Courts.
NACADA Chief Executive Officer Anthony Omerikwa said the agency has intensified operations nationwide, noting that traffickers often take advantage of school holidays to target young people.
“We are fully aware that traffickers see this holiday as a prime opportunity to target our youth. Multi-agency operations have been heightened across the country,” he said.
He added that the Authority is implementing government directives aimed at strengthening the fight against drug and substance abuse.
The latest seizures highlight ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies to curb the distribution of illicit drugs and counterfeit alcohol, particularly during periods when young people are more vulnerable.