Suspect arrested as Nacada seizes Sh17.5 million counterfeit alcohol in Nyeri

Confiscated counterfeit alcohol worth Sh17.5 million displayed after a NACADA-led raid at Zidane Wines and Spirits in Ruring'u, Nyeri.

A dawn raid in Nyeri on Thursday led to the arrest of a suspect and seizure of counterfeit alcohol worth Sh17.5 million in an operation led by the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA).

The crackdown at Zidane Wines and Spirits in Ruring'u targeted a network linked to notorious counterfeiter Lazaro Mengo Ndung'u.

Officers recovered fake Kenya Revenue Authority stamps and large quantities of liquor disguised as legitimate products.

Nacada Chief Executive Officer Anthony Omerikwa listed the haul as nine cartons of Sweet Berry Vodka, eight cartons of Dallas Gin, 36 cartons of Trace Vodka, 18 crates of Jambo Ice liquor, 125 litres of ethanol, three crates of Viena Ice, 12 crates of Diamond Ice, eight crates of Jambo Ice and 10 cartons of Best Classic.

Omerikwa noted that Ndung'u, arrested during the raid, has three pending court cases tied to counterfeit alcohol.

"This arrest should serve as a clear warning to all who profit from poisoning our communities. Lazaro has repeatedly attempted to circumvent justice, but his time has run out. Anyone involved in this illicit trade should know their day in court is coming," he explained.

The raid follows Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen's directive launching a 100 Days Rapid Results Initiative against illicit alcohol across the country.

"Today marks the third day since the directive was issued, and as you can see, operations have already been scaled up," Omerikwa observed.

Authorities said the crackdown underscores ongoing enforcement of the National Alcohol Policy 2025, which calls for tighter regulation and stronger consumer protection against harmful alcohol.