Maragua:Murang’a: Police in Murang’a County have conducted a successful operation seizing various alcoholic beverages suspected to be counterfeit in a crackdown on illicit brews in Maragua. This action comes amid growing concerns over the circulation of unlicensed and substandard alcoholic products.
According to Kenya News Agency, the operation was led by County Administration Police Service Commander Pauline Njeri. It targeted a local bar and a nearby residential house after receiving information from residents about suspected illegal alcohol trade. The operation was partly prompted by reports of a man being hospitalized after allegedly consuming alcohol purchased from the bar.
Njeri stated that the seized items included various brands suspected to be manufactured in unsanitary conditions. Among the brands confiscated were Chrome and Kenya Cane, along with other assorted drinks, which will undergo further examination by relevant authorities to verify their authenticity.
The owner of the bar has been arrested and is facing charges as investigations continue into the alcohol’s source and market entry. Officers from the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) and Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) are expected to assist in verifying the tax stamps and standards marks on the confiscated products.
Preliminary checks revealed that the bar was operating on what appeared to be an invalid liquor license, raising concerns about compliance with licensing requirements. Njeri urged the county government and licensing agencies to strengthen verification processes to prevent illegal operators from using fake, expired, or irregular licenses.
The operation is part of broader efforts to combat the manufacture, storage, distribution, and sale of illicit alcoholic drinks in the county. Njeri called on the community to assist in these efforts by reporting suspected illegal activities, emphasizing the importance of public information in identifying hidden production and distribution networks.
The crackdown aligns with national efforts by security agencies and regulatory authorities to address the issue of illicit and counterfeit alcoholic products, which can evade taxation and quality-control requirements. The suspect is currently held at Maragua Police Station and is expected to be arraigned in court as investigations continue.
