Nyeri:A multi-agency security operation has successfully dismantled a counterfeit alcohol manufacturing syndicate operating from a residential house in Ruring’u, Nyeri. The illicit liquor, valued at more than Sh2 million, was seized during the operation.
According to Kenya News Agency, the raid was initiated following a tip-off from the public about suspicious nocturnal vehicle movements in the area. This information led security agencies to investigate and ultimately conduct the raid.
Preliminary investigations indicated that the syndicate had been operating for about a year. The manufacture and transportation of the counterfeit alcohol were reportedly carried out at night. Inside the house, two suspects were found using crude methods to manufacture the counterfeit alcohol by mixing ethanol with water, then packaging it in bottles labeled with recognized alcohol brands.
The operation involved national government security officers, county enforcement officers, and members of the Nyeri County Alcoholic Drinks Control and Management Directorate. During the raid, two pressing machines used for sealing bottle tops, assorted bottle caps, alcohol brand stickers, fake Kenya Revenue Authority stamps worth about Sh250,000, plastic mixing drums, and numerous jerry cans were recovered. Authorities believe these jerry cans were used to transport ethanol.
Additionally, 10 kilograms of citric acid, bottle stickers valued at Sh150,000, and several consignments of packaged alcoholic drinks with labels of Star Ice, Apple Ice, Diamond Ice, and Taifa Ice were confiscated. The operation is part of an intensified government crackdown on counterfeit alcoholic drinks in the county. The Deputy County Commissioner, Ngunyi Maina, warned of the serious public health threat posed by this trade.
Maina emphasized the risk to young people, accusing the manufacturers of prioritizing profits over public safety. He urged liquor traders to cooperate with authorities by reporting distributors of counterfeit alcohol and warned bar operators against accepting suspiciously cheap products.
The seized alcohol samples will be analyzed by the Government Chemist to determine their composition and potential health risks. The two arrested suspects are assisting investigators in identifying the masterminds behind the operation, with plans to pursue legal actions against them.
The ongoing sting operations have already impounded counterfeit alcohol worth nearly Sh4 million and shut down five businesses operating without licenses. Recently, an unlicensed bar in Nyeri town’s central business district was closed, and several gambling machines valued at Sh600,000 were confiscated.
Maina also raised concerns over the exploitation of young people through illicit alcohol and gambling, with allegations of politicians using liquor to influence and incite youths. He called for community collaboration in reporting suspicious activities to local authorities, emphasizing the importance of community cooperation in dismantling these illicit networks.
