A suspect has been arrested after police recovered 990 litres of ethanol, ammunition and firearm-related accessories during an intelligence-led operation targeting the illegal manufacture of second-generation alcohol in Nakuru County.

The operation, conducted by law enforcement officers in Rongai Sub-County, followed a tip-off from members of the public that led investigators to a homestead in Cottage Estate, Kiamunyi, where an illicit alcohol production syndicate was allegedly operating.

According to police, officers uncovered a large quantity of ethanol concealed inside a septic tank within the compound. Authorities said the 990 litres of ethanol had been hidden in an apparent attempt to evade detection during the raid.

The operation took a further turn after officers searched the suspect’s residence, where they recovered a Ceska pistol magazine loaded with 29 rounds of 9mm ammunition. Also seized were a bulletproof vest, a firearm cleaning kit, two pistol holsters and assorted items believed to have been used in the packaging of counterfeit alcoholic drinks.

Among the recovered packaging materials were branded stickers, empty bottles and bottle tops, which investigators suspect were intended for use in disguising the illicit alcohol as legitimate products before distribution to consumers.

“The operation led to the recovery of 990 litres of ethanol concealed in a septic tank, 29 rounds of 9mm ammunition and assorted firearm accessories. Packaging materials suspected to have been used for counterfeit alcoholic drinks were also recovered,” police said.

The suspect, identified as Geoffrey Muriithi Kerinya, was arrested at the scene and taken into police custody. Authorities said he is currently undergoing processing as detectives prepare to arraign him in court.

Police have detained all the recovered items as exhibits while investigations continue to establish the source of the ethanol, the ammunition and whether the suspect is linked to a wider network involved in the manufacture and distribution of illicit alcohol.

The latest operation forms part of ongoing efforts by security agencies to dismantle illegal alcohol production networks and curb the circulation of counterfeit alcoholic products, which continue to pose significant health and security risks across the country.