Police have arrested three suspects and seized assorted liquor and more than 700 pieces of suspected uncustomed cigarettes during a multi-agency operation in Igembe North Sub-County, Meru County.
The operation, led by the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) in collaboration with the National Police Service (NPS) and the local administration, targeted premises suspected of selling counterfeit alcoholic drinks and illicit cigarettes.
Igembe North Deputy County Commissioner Martin Muyia said the operation was intelligence-led and resulted in the seizure of assorted liquor brands and three different brands of cigarettes.
Muyia said the authorities had contacted the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) and the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) to establish the authenticity and compliance of the seized products.
He noted that the owners of the raided premises were not present during the operation, adding that efforts were underway to trace them for further investigations.
”We have been suspecting the sale of counterfeit products from the raided premises. We are keen to ensure that goods sold to members of the public are genuine and meet the required standards,” he said.
NACADA Commissioner of Police John Simiyu said the operation followed complaints from members of the public about the sale of suspected counterfeit liquor targeting unsuspecting consumers.
Simiyu confirmed that three suspects had been arrested and an assortment of suspected counterfeit alcoholic drinks recovered, alongside more than 700 pieces of uncustomed cigarettes.
He said NACADA had been conducting a Rapid Results Initiative (RRI) for the past 100 days as part of an ongoing nationwide crackdown on illicit alcohol and drug-related activities.
Simiyu urged members of the public to report premises suspected of selling counterfeit alcoholic drinks and other illicit products to NACADA to enable authorities to take action.
The multi-agency operation is part of broader government efforts to curb the circulation of illicit and potentially harmful products and protect consumers.
