Mwea East:Police in Mwea East, Kirinyaga County, have seized a consignment of suspected illicit alcohol as part of an operation to curb the circulation of unsafe alcoholic drinks.
According to Kenya News Agency, the operation was led by Mwea East Sub-County Police Commander Henry Gitonga, in collaboration with officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI). During the operation, officers intercepted a lorry in the Murubara area, recovering 114 crates of Diamond Ice, 200 empty crates, four cartons of People Vodka, and nine cartons of People Gin Lemonade.
Gitonga stated that the impounded products are currently held at Wang’uru Police Station while investigations continue to determine their authenticity, compliance with safety standards, and suitability for human consumption. Despite the products bearing Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) and Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) seals, some items are suspected to be counterfeit.
Authorities are also investigating the source of the consignment, its intended market, and whether any offenses were committed during its transportation or distribution. The latest seizure follows a similar operation in the Karie Kangai area, led by county police commander Anderson Gitonga, where another consignment of suspected illicit alcohol was recovered.
These operations highlight increased police efforts to curb the transportation and sale of alcoholic drinks suspected to be illegal or counterfeit in Kirinyaga County. Security agencies have warned traders involved in the illicit alcohol business that enforcement operations will continue, urging them to ensure compliance with the law and meet required safety and quality standards.
The crackdown is part of a broader initiative by security agencies to prevent potentially harmful alcoholic drinks from reaching consumers and to strengthen compliance with regulations governing the manufacture, distribution, and sale of alcoholic beverages.
