11 Arrested as NACADA Leads Crackdown on Fake Alcohol in Nairobi

The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) has raised concern over the circulation of counterfeit and unsafe alcoholic products in Kenya as authorities step up efforts to disrupt the illicit alcohol trade.

NACADA is working with other government agencies to verify reports shared by members of the public and take action against those involved in the manufacture, distribution and sale of fake alcoholic products, the statement said.

This warning comes amid a series of raids targeting illicit alcohol in Nairobi, with authorities uncovering suspected counterfeiting activities and seizing large quantities of alcoholic products.

Between August 20 and 31, multi-agency teams carried out a 10-day crackdown across eight Nairobi sub-counties, resulting in 11 arrests and the seizure of significant quantities of suspected counterfeit alcoholic beverages.

Areas covered were Roysambu, Kasarani, Dagoretti North, Dagoretti South, Starehe, Lang’ata, Embakasi West and Kamukunji.

Fake stamps and expired alcohol found during raids

Several compliance concerns emerged during the crackdown, including counterfeit Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) excise stamps, uncoded alcoholic products, expired drinks and other counterfeit products.

Consumers can also use KRA’s Soma Label app to scan excise stamps and verify their authenticity before purchasing excisable products.

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NACADA said the seized products are being verified as investigations continue into the networks behind their manufacture and distribution.

The latest warning follows several efforts to tackle illicit alcohol in Nairobi during a raid in Eastleigh on August 26, where authorities arrested two suspects and recovered 868 assorted alcoholic drinks.

Among the products found were drinks with suspected fake KRA excise stamps, uncustomed beer from Defence Forces Canteen Organisation (DEFCO) stores, as well as expired and suspected counterfeit alcohol.

A separate raid in Jericho, Makadara, resulted in the arrest of three suspects and the recovery of 315 counterfeit alcoholic beverages, alongside fake KRA excise stamps, empty bottles and bottle tops believed to have been prepared for refilling.

Some of the recovered products reportedly bore Tanzanian excise duty stamps, pointing to possible cross-border movement of counterfeit products.

NACADA targets wider counterfeit alcohol networks

NACADA’s latest crackdown is part of a broader effort to disrupt the networks involved in producing, distributing and selling counterfeit and illicit alcoholic products.

The Authority is working with KRA, the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) and the National Police Service as investigators establish the authenticity of seized products and pursue those suspected of being behind their circulation.

Investigations will continue, with suspects found to have breached the law subjected to due process, NACADA said.

Members of the public have also been encouraged to share information on suspicious products, outlets or activities as authorities continue efforts to tackle the illicit alcohol trade.

Also Read: How to Check if Your Alcohol Is Genuine or Fake in Kenya

NACADA said it will continue working with government agencies and other stakeholders on enforcement and public education to protect Kenyans from the health and social risks associated with counterfeit and illicit alcohol.

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A photo of alcohol being poured into a glass. PHOTO/iStock