The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) says it has seized a large consignment of illicit ethanol hidden in Runda Estate, Westlands Sub-County, valued at more than Sh4.1 million.

The intelligence-led operation, resulted in the recovery of 1,645 liters of ethanol and the arrest of two suspects.

The operation followed a public tip-off, prompting a multi-agency response involving the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA), officers from Runda Police Station, and the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA).

They first visited a suspect’s homestead in Ruaka Township, where occupants guided them to a concealed storage facility along Pan Afric Road in Runda Estate.

“Upon entering the facility, the team discovered ethanol packed in five drums of 250 liters each (totaling 1,250 liters), 60 two-liter bottles (120 liters), 16 twenty-liter plastic jerricans (320 liters), and 10 half-liter sachets (5 liters). Additional items seized included one metallic filling funnel, eight empty 20-liter jerricans, and four empty 20-liter drums.”

NACADA CEO Dr. Anthony Omerikwa revealed that dealers are adopting new tactics in the trafficking of unaccustomed ethanol.

“We have discovered that criminals receive the commodity in large drums but break it down into smaller consignments; bottles, jerricans, and even sachets, which are far easier to transport undetected,” he explained.

Dr. Anthony Omerikwa has reaffirmed the commitment of NACADA to community safety, saying the Authority will intensify efforts to dismantle illegal alcohol networks.

“NACADA is not relenting where keeping communities safe is concerned. We will continue to dismantle these networks and protect Kenyan families from the dangers of illicit brews,” he said.

Two suspects were arrested at the scene and taken to Runda Police Station, where they await arraignment in court.