Police seize illicit alcohol and fake notes

Illicit brew valued at millions of shillings impounded by police that was packed in bottles of authorised liquor in Nthagaiya village of Embu East sub-county on Saturday. The police also nabbed fake notes to the tune of Sh380,000 and arrested two women. (Joseph Muchiri, Standard)

Police have impounded illicit brew valued at millions of shillings in Nthagaiya village, Embu East sub-county. They also impounded fake currency notes.

The officers acted on a tip-off by local residents. The brew was being manufactured at the premises of an unauthorised brewer.

Police found two women preparing the brew. Area OCPD Peter Muchemi said the officers seized 600 litres of unpacked brew, 20 crates of packed liquor, 50 crates of empty bottles, and thousands of bottle tops. He said the two women were arrested and taken to Runyenjes Police Station and would be arraigned in court after investigations are concluded.

The women were packing the brew in bottles bearing the sticker of a popular drink to pass it off as a genuine brand.

“The public tipped us off that an authorised liquor distributor was counterfeiting known brands. He is using a legal business to distribute illegal liquor. We raided his premises but he was not in. We are hunting him,” said Mr Muchemi.

The fake currency that was seized was in thousand shilling notes and was in the final stages of production.