The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) has intercepted 810 litres of suspected illicit ethanol in Eldoret, in a major operation targeting criminal networks involved in the production of counterfeit alcohol.
The seizure, carried out on March 29, 2026, followed a multi-agency operation involving NACADA officers and police from Langas Police Station. Authorities said the operation was launched after a tip-off led officers to trail a suspect vehicle from Kapsabet before intercepting it along the Kapseret–Kapsabet Road.
The vehicle, a white BMW X1 (registration KDV 905Q), was found transporting 27 jerricans containing the ethanol, which officials believe was destined for the manufacture of illegal alcoholic drinks.
NACADA Chief Executive Officer Anthony Omerikwa warned that the substance is a critical component in the production of dangerous second-generation alcohol, often linked to fatalities and serious health risks.
“This illicitly obtained and smuggled ethanol is widely used to produce deadly alcoholic drinks,” Omerikwa said, adding that criminal syndicates are taking advantage of porous borders and corruption to import untaxed ethanol into the country.
Authorities estimate the consignment’s value at approximately Sh1.2 million, with a street price of about Sh1,500 per litre. Officials described the interception as a significant blow to the underground alcohol trade.
“Such seizures will continue in collaboration with other multi-agency teams. We are committed to disrupting these criminal networks, and all assets seized will be forfeited to the state,” Omerikwa said.
Two suspects have been arrested in connection with the consignment and are expected to be arraigned in court on March 30, as investigations continue.
As enforcement agencies intensify operations, authorities say sustained inter-agency coordination and public vigilance will be critical in dismantling supply chains and protecting consumers from hazardous substances infiltrating the market.
