Police arrest seven, impound illicit manufactured brews in Nakuru

Nakuru,

Thursday September 7, 2023

KNA by Anne Sabuni

A multi-agency security team in Nakuru has impounded Ethanol and adulterated alcoholic drinks alongside manufacturing equipment at a residential home in Nakuru City.

Led by Nakuru East Senior Deputy County Commissioner Were Simiyu, the team comprising of the police, officers from National Council against Drug Abuse (NACADA) and Kenya Revenue Authority as well as Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) also arrested the proprietor of the business and six workers found in possession of the drinks and equipment.

Simiyu noted that the business, situated in the heart of KITI area on the outskirts of Nakuru City, was not registered and licensed as a manufacturer posing a threat to lives of the unsuspecting consumers.

“The drinks are repackaged in recycled bottles of common brands and resealed for the market. The three brands being counterfeited here, are filled from one source. The hygienic levels here are wanting and this is the alcohol that is killing our people out there as it is illicit and not standardised for consumption,” said Were, noting that dirty water was used to mix the drinks.

The consignment estimated to have netted Sh1, 1585, 000 and evaded Sh556, 000 in tax was suspected to be enroute to markets in Nakuru and other neighbouring counties

Simiyu expressed regret that the Proprietor was a repeat offender as he had been arrested and prosecuted last year for the same offence, adding that team was determined to rid of, such traders.

“We are urging the Judiciary to help us fight this menace by giving deterrent sentences,” he noted adding that the proprietor and his accomplices would be arraigned in court Thursday.

NACADA’s South Rift Regional Manager Robert Olweny expressed regret that homes had been turned into manufacturing facilities that are contributing to major health challenges in the country.

“If someone wants to do these business, there are correct procedures to apply for licenses and approval by KEBS. We will continue to crackdown all these rogue manufacturers until we have wiped them out of this country,” he noted.

Olweny regretted that alcohol accounted for 11 percent of addictions, noting the need to clear the peddlers of illicit alcohol that were propagating the addiction, with programmes targeting school leavers and parents to ensure youths do not get hooked to alcohol.

He noted the need for stakeholders including counties to join hands in establishing rehabilitation and treatment centres that would help reverse the situation.

Courtesy; KNA