NACADA seizes suspected counterfeit alcohol following raids in Mombasa, Nairobi

In Mombasa, a multi-agency team led by NACADA raided four outlets and a private residence in Kongowea following intelligence-led investigations.

Authorities recovered large quantities of suspected counterfeit alcohol, some bearing Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) excise stamps that failed verification, while others carried labels associated with different legitimate products. All the targeted outlets were found to be operating without valid liquor licences.

NACADA Chief Executive Officer Dr Anthony Omerikwa said the residence at the centre of the operation shares a fence with Kongowea Primary School, raising concerns about the proximity of illegal alcohol operations to learning institutions and residential areas. He noted that the suspect had been under prolonged surveillance before the raid.

At the same time, a separate NACADA-led operation in Nairobi targeted a distributor along Kirinyaga Road in the Central Business District. The raid, conducted with officers from the National Police Service and KRA, led to the arrest of one suspect and the seizure of 7,352 bottles (250ml) of assorted suspected counterfeit alcoholic drinks, equivalent to 312 cartons. The operation followed complaints from legitimate brand owners.

The Nairobi suspect is being held at Jogoo Road Police Station, while the seized alcohol has been secured by KRA at a warehouse along Mombasa Road pending further investigations.