Security agents in Ndaragwa, Nyandarua County, seized a large consignment of illicit liquor manufactured in a homestead.
During the raid, counterfeit Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) excise stamps, empty bottles, unmarked bottle tops, seals and suspected ethanol were seized.
The multi-agency team, which included the DCI, KRA, and police officers, swung into action after receiving a tip from locals who suspected dubious activities in the enclosed compound.
According to Ndaragwa Deputy County Commissioner Walter Ngaira, the trader, who is still at large, packaged the locally made liquor in her house and is suspected of being a major distributor in major towns in Nyandarua and Laikipia counties.
He claimed that the manufacturer took advantage of the dry season in the area to conceal ethanol in hay stacks for transportation, making it difficult for law enforcement to detect.
“We shall start a serious operation of similar nature to ensure that all illicit liquor makers and packagers are nabbed. We want to warn the traders in such a trade that their days are numbered. We shall extend our operation to ensure that what is sold to our people is safe and approved by the relevant agencies,” said Ngaira.
The assorted drinks seized included: 800 litres of suspected ethanol, Santana Ice 500ML- 375 Bottle, Mara Ice 500ML- 75 Bottles, Diamond Ice 500ML- 262 Bottles, Darling Ice 500ML- 175 Bottles, Chrome Vodka 250ML- 155 Bottles, Kibao Vodka 250ML -45 Bottles, Smart Vodka 250ML- 140 Bottles, KRA Counterfeit Stamps 1 1/2 rolls, Bunches of Alcoholic Drinks Stickers of Various Brands: SMART, SPIKE AND SHUJAA.
Other items recovered in the same house included: One Capping Machine, Assorted used and unused metallic bottle tops, 728- Plastic Bottle tops with Seals, 888 Pieces of empty 250ml bottles, Other 10 BAGS of 50KGS each with unlabeled 250ml bottles and four empty plastic tanks of 200 litres each.
The KRA officials regretted the revenue lost through the duplication of a single KRA stamp onto a roll that was used to authenticate the products, noting that stamps were not official.
Various agencies processed and documented the scene. The Investigation Department, police, and KRA seized all exhibits for further investigation.
