A multi-agency team led by the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) has seized 868 assorted alcoholic beverages and arrested two suspects during a crackdown on counterfeit and illicit alcohol in Eastleigh, Nairobi.
The operation was conducted on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, in Section 3 along 18th Street, where officers targeted businesses suspected of distributing and selling illicit alcoholic products.
The operation brought together officers from NACADA, the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) and the National Police Service.
The team arrested a distributor and a retailer allegedly involved in selling a consignment of alcoholic drinks bearing fake KRA stamps, uncustomed beers from Defence Forces Canteen Organization (DEFCO) stores, as well as expired and counterfeit products.
The seized alcoholic beverages have been taken for analysis, while the two suspects were booked at Jogoo Road Police Station pending further investigations.
The operation is part of ongoing intelligence-led enforcement activities targeting the manufacture, distribution and sale of counterfeit and illicit alcoholic beverages across the country.
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NACADA CEO Dr. Anthony Omerikwa said the multi-agency approach was producing results as authorities intensify efforts to address growing concerns over counterfeit alcohol.
“NACADA is leading a multi-agency team carrying out intelligence-led operations across the country in the wake of heightened public concern over the manufacture, distribution, sale, and consumption of counterfeit and fake alcoholic drinks,” said Omerikwa.
He warned manufacturers and alcohol outlets against engaging in illegal practices, saying counterfeit products pose serious health risks to consumers.
“We have put all manufacturers and alcohol dispensing outlets on notice against engaging in unlawful practices which are not only unethical but pose serious health risks to Kenyans.”
Omerikwa said the Eastleigh operation demonstrated NACADA’s commitment to dismantling networks involved in the illicit alcohol trade, which authorities have linked to serious health complications and deaths.
He further warned that counterfeit alcoholic beverages can contain toxic substances such as methanol, which can cause severe poisoning, including blindness, organ failure and death.
“We shall not relent in our pursuit of those who prioritize profits over the lives of Kenyans. This operation is a clear message that NACADA, working with our partners, will not tolerate the sale of illicit and counterfeit alcohol,” he added.
NACADA has urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspected counterfeit alcohol, suspicious outlets or other illicit alcohol activities to the nearest NACADA office, police station or through the Authority’s toll-free helpline 1192.
The multi-agency crackdown is expected to continue in other areas identified as high-risk locations as authorities step up efforts to curb the distribution and sale of counterfeit and uncustomed alcoholic beverages.
