19 Individuals have been apprehended and are currently held at the Siaya Police Station following a raid on a chang’aa den, as part of a broader crackdown on illicit liquor in the region.
The arrests were made during a coordinated operation conducted by a joint team comprising officials from the National Government Administration and the Kenya Police Service.
Siaya County Police Commander, Mr. Cleti Kimaiyo, provided details of the operation, revealing that Assistant County Commissioner Kaleke Kuyot spearheaded the crackdown.
The enforcement action not only led to the detention of 19 individuals but also resulted in the arrest of Lydia Atieno Okuta, the proprietor of the chang’aa den.
Okuta was found in possession of one liter of chang’aa, a locally brewed alcoholic beverage known for its potency and illegal production.
In addition to the arrests, law enforcement authorities confiscated four motorcycles found within the premises of the chang’aa den.
These motorcycles were seized as they lacked valid insurance documents, constituting a violation of traffic regulations.
Mr. Kimaiyo confirmed that all 20 suspects, including Okuta, are presently in police custody and are scheduled to appear in court on Thursday, May 16, 2024.
The detention of these individuals underscores the government’s ongoing efforts to combat the production, distribution, and consumption of illicit liquor, which pose significant threats to public health and safety.
Chang’aa, a locally brewed alcoholic beverage, is known for its high alcohol content and is often consumed in informal drinking establishments known as chang’aa dens.
Despite efforts to eradicate the production and sale of chang’aa, it remains prevalent in certain regions, leading to social issues such as public disorder and alcohol-related health problems.
The joint operation conducted by law enforcement agencies signals a commitment to enforce laws aimed at curbing the illegal alcohol trade.
Through such proactive measures, authorities aim to safeguard communities from the adverse effects of illicit liquor and uphold public order and safety.
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