NACADA seizes counterfeit alcohol worth US$40.9K in major crackdown 

KENYA – The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) has confiscated counterfeit alcoholic beverages valued at approximately Kes 5.28 million (US$40.9K) during a major enforcement operation in Kitengela town, Kajiado County.  

The bust marks a significant milestone in the ongoing national crackdown on illicit alcohol. 

The intelligence-led raid  targeted Scotland Wines and Spirits, a business owned by Mr. Antony Gakuo. The multi-agency team comprised officers from NACADA, the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), and the National Police Service (NPS). 

Following Gakuo’s arrest, he directed the officers to a concealed storage container within the town, where a large cache of counterfeit liquor was discovered.  

The seized consignment included 528 boxes of various popular brands: 230 boxes of Trace Vodka, 107 of Dalas Brandy, 44 of Supa Vodka, 22 of Rider Vodka, 85 of Triger Gin, and 12 of Tiger Vodka.  

Each box contained 20 bottles of 250ml, pointing to a large-scale production and distribution network targeting unsuspecting consumers. 

The recovered products were handed over to KRA enforcement officials for further investigation and eventual destruction. The Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) also collected samples for laboratory analysis to verify authenticity and assess potential health hazards. 

NACADA Chief Executive Officer Dr. Anthony Omerikwa praised the success of the operation, noting that it was part of the ongoing Rapid Results Initiative (RRI) led by Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen. 

“This successful operation in Kitengela, now on the 70th day of the Rapid Results Initiative, is a clear testament to our sustained resolve,” said Dr. Omerikwa. “Under CS Murkomen’s leadership, our strengthened multi-agency collaboration has delivered impactful results that safeguard public safety.” 

He warned individuals involved in the production and sale of counterfeit alcohol to cease their operations immediately. “To all merchants of death profiting from fake alcohol and drugs — your days are numbered. NACADA will pursue and bring you to justice. This seizure is only the beginning,” he declared. 

The crackdown comes shortly after the United Kingdom issued a travel advisory warning its citizens to exercise caution when consuming alcohol in Kenya due to rising cases of methanol poisoning linked to counterfeit beverages.  

A 2024 Euromonitor International report indicated that illicit alcohol makes up 60% of total alcohol sales in Kenya, driven by high taxes on legal drinks and weak enforcement. 

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