Two suspects have been arrested after authorities intercepted a consignment of suspected illicit ethanol valued at approximately Ksh1.2 million.
In a statement issued on Monday, March 30, the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) said the operation forms part of ongoing efforts to curb the distribution of unregulated alcoholic substances across the country.
The agency reported that 810 litres of suspected illicit ethanol were recovered during the crackdown.
Law Enforcement Intercepts Illegal Ethanol Worth Ksh1.2M, Arrests Two. Photo: Courtesy.
NACADA noted that such illegal products often enter the market through well-organised networks that exploit gaps in regulatory enforcement, posing serious risks to public health and safety.
NACADA Chief Executive Officer Anthony Omerikwa confirmed the arrests, adding that the two suspects are currently in custody and are expected to be arraigned in court.
He explained that the crackdown is designed to target and dismantle structured criminal networks behind illicit alcohol trade.
Notably, this follows NACADA’s recent closure of 15 drug and alcohol rehabilitation centres after a nationwide inspection conducted late last year.
In a statement issued on January 15, CEO Anthony Omerikwa said 236 facilities across 36 counties were assessed under a multi-agency exercise.
Of these, 135 were fully accredited, while 30 failed to qualify and 56 were flagged for compliance gaps.
The authority noted that the 15 closures were due to serious violations, including poor hygiene, expired medicines, unsafe conditions, and lack of qualified staff.
Omerikwa added that the inspection also exposed wider challenges in access, affordability, and specialised care within the rehabilitation sector.
