Authorities Seize Over 1,800 Bottles of Counterfeit Alcohol in Raid

A hot steam containing remains of a fermented mixture of changaa are blown out of a barrel after distillation in Madhare Slums in Nairobi, Kenya. (Photo by Donwilson Odhiambo / SOPA Images/Sipa USA)(Sipa via AP Images)

Kenya’s National Authority for the Campaign against Alcohol and Drug Abuse seized 1,843 bottles of counterfeit alcohol in Kitui Town during a multi-agency enforcement operation targeting illicit alcohol distribution networks, local outlet Capital News reported Friday.

The raid, carried out Thursday, also uncovered about 80 liters of suspected ethanol stored in four 20-liter containers. Authorities estimated the total value of the seized products at about 200,000 Kenyan shillings ($1,550).

The proprietor of the outlet, a woman whose name was not released, was arrested and taken to a police station in Kitui. She is being held pending further investigations.

Officials said the operation was based on actionable intelligence identifying the outlet as a known distribution point for counterfeit alcohol. The crackdown also extended to two additional shops suspected of being linked to a wider supply network.

All seized items have been secured for forensic analysis by the Government Chemist, with prosecution expected in coordination with the Kenya Bureau of Standards and other agencies.

NACADA has intensified enforcement efforts during the holiday period, citing increased risks to young people while schools are closed. The agency said counterfeit alcohol remains a major public health concern due to potential toxicity and its impact on legitimate businesses and tax revenue.

A NACADA official said enforcement operations will continue nationwide.

“We will not allow counterfeit alcohol syndicates to poison our people or exploit our young generation,” the official said. “Let no parent think that because schools are out, we are off duty.”

Local residents said the outlet had long been suspected of selling illicit alcohol, with some praising the crackdown and saying it improved safety in the area.

Investigations into the supply chain behind the counterfeit products are ongoing.