Counterfeit alcohol worth Sh1.4 million seized in Murang'a

Seized crates of counterfeit alcohol including Smart Ice, Taifa Ice, Diamond Ice and Dallas Gin at Kahuho Market in Murang'a.

Aleast Sh1.4 million worth of counterfeit alcohol has been seized as the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) moves to crack down on illegal liquor trade in Murang'a County.

The operation, conducted on Monday night recovered 290 crates of assorted alcoholic drinks including Smart Ice, Taifa Ice, Diamond Ice and Apple Ice, all bearing fake Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) stamps. Several cartons of Dallas Gin were also confiscated.

NACADA CEO Dr. Anthony Omerikwa said the raid targeted Peter Nduati, alias 'Mike Power,' a trader who owns 59 alcohol-dispensing outlets in Murang'a and has repeatedly evaded law enforcement.

"This is not a small-time player. He is a well-known figure whose business empire thrives on illegality and his continued evasion of the law underscores the scale of the challenge we face," said Omerikwa.

A woman believed to be the store manager was arrested and is detained at Kahuho Police Station.

Authorities said Nduati remains at large and vowed to dismantle his illicit network.

A KRA team has taken over investigations and he is expected to face charges of tax evasion and contravention of the Alcoholic Drinks Control Act (2010).

Samples from the seized alcohol will undergo analysis at the Government Chemist and the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) to determine their safety.

NACADA said the operation is part of a multi-agency effort to curb counterfeit alcohol which threatens public health and deprives the country of revenue.