A recent joint operation conducted by law enforcement agencies in the border region of Kericho and Kisumu counties resulted in the arrest of seven individuals and the seizure of a significant quantity of illicit alcohol.
Acting on a tip-off from vigilant members of the public, police swiftly responded to the sighting of a suspicious vehicle entering an isolated mabati structure in the sparsely populated Pala area.
Kericho County Commissioner Gilbert Kitiyo disclosed that during the operation, 2,740 bottles of packed alcohol were discovered within the makeshift premises.
Among the seized items were various brands of illegal alcohol, including Space Vodka, African Blend Vodka, and Best Patiala Brand, amounting to a total of 685 liters.
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Additionally, authorities confiscated 1,070 liters of ethanol, along with 35,000 counterfeit Kenya Revenue Authority excise duty stamps.
The premises also yielded 10,000 empty bottles, an alcohol meter, and packaging materials. Kitiyo estimated the value of the confiscated goods to be in the millions of shillings.
“We have examined the packaged products, and the labels indicate they were intended for distribution in Nakuru and central Kenya,” stated Kitiyo, highlighting the regional scope of the illegal operation.
Further investigation is underway to determine the connection of the suspects, who are suspected to have migrated from Nakuru, with the seized contraband.
The County Commissioner commended the public for their role in providing crucial information to security agencies, emphasizing the importance of community vigilance in combating illicit activities.
He reiterated the ongoing efforts of the multi-agency operation, which has already led to the closure of 1,560 bars in Kericho County, underscoring the commitment to eradicating the menace of illegal brews and narcotics from the region.
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