Tycoon, Sweet Berry and Dallas among brands nabbed as NACADA cracks whip on illicit trade

NACADA officials investigate some of the suspected counterfeit alcoholic drinks nabbed in Uraku area, Nyandarua county. [Courtesy, NACADA]

One person has been arrested in Nyandarua over links to sale of counterfeit drinks.

The suspect was arrested on Sunday night following a sting operation led by the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) in partnership with local law enforcement agencies.

The operation conducted in the Uruku area resulted in the seizure of hundreds of bottles of suspected counterfeit alcoholic drinks in Nyandarua North Sub-County.

Inspector Ian Liru, who coordinated the local command to ensure the smooth execution of the operation said the target of the raid was a local alcohol outlet operating under the names Beer Wholesalers Wines and Spirits and Travellers Pub.

"The proprietor, a 44-year-old female, was arrested during the operation. The team recovered a staggering 1,710 bottles (250ml each) of assorted alcoholic drinks, including popular but suspiciously branded labels such as Tycoon, Sweet Berry, Dallas, Brandy, Jambo, and other soft drinks," said Mr Liru.

According to him, preliminary inspections raised suspicions that the seized beverages may be counterfeit, posing a serious risk to public health.

"The items were promptly taken into custody and securely stored as exhibits, pending further analysis. Samples of the seized drinks have been dispatched to the Government Chemist for thorough testing," he said.

NACADA officials investigate some of the suspected counterfeit alcoholic drinks nabbed in Uraku area, Nyandarua county. [Courtesy, NACADA]

NACADA's Head of Enforcement Nicholas Kosgei reiterated their commitment to ridding communities of harmful and illicit alcoholic products, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas where regulatory breaches are more common.

"This operation is part of a broader national crackdown aimed at dismantling illegal alcohol networks and protecting the public from dangerous, unregulated substances," said Mr Kosgei.

Kosgei said the suspect is expected to be arraigned in court once the chemical analysis results are returned and formal charges are drawn.