NACADA Nabs Sh17.5 Million Worth of Counterfeit Alcohol In Nyeri

In a decisive overnight operation, the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) and a multi-agency enforcement team struck a major blow to the illicit alcohol trade, confiscating counterfeit liquor and fake revenue stamps valued at Sh17.5 million.

The raid, carried out in the early hours of the morning, targeted Zidane Wines and Spirits in Ruring’u, Nyeri County—an outlet linked to notorious counterfeiter Lazaro Mengo Ndung’u. Acting on intelligence, officers swiftly cordoned off the premises, recovering a massive cache of illegal products.

Among the items seized were:

9 cartons of Sweet Berry Vodka

8 cartons of Dallas Gin

36 cartons of Trace Vodka

18 crates of Jambo Ice liquor

125 litres of ethanol

3 crates of Viena Ice

12 crates of Diamond Ice

8 crates of Jambo Ice

10 cartons of BEST Classic

Authorities also recovered fake Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) stamps that had been used to disguise the contraband as legitimate products.

The main suspect, Lazaro Mengo Ndung’u, was arrested during the raid. A repeat offender, he is already facing three pending court cases related to counterfeit alcohol.

Speaking after the operation, NACADA CEO Dr. Anthony Omerikwa said the Authority had been determined to “smoke him out” as a warning to others in the trade.

“This arrest should serve as a clear warning to all who profit from poisoning our communities. Lazaro has repeatedly attempted to circumvent justice, but his time has run out. Anyone involved in this illicit trade should know their day in court is coming,” Dr. Omerikwa declared.

Dr. Omerikwa further stressed NACADA’s commitment to implementing Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen’s 100 Days Rapid Results Initiative (RRI) against illicit alcohol.

READ ALSO: NACADA Seizes Sh1.4m Worth of Counterfeit Alcohol in Murang’a

“Today marks the third day since the directive was issued, and as you can see, operations have already been scaled up countrywide. We are leaving no stone unturned in the fight to rid our nation of counterfeit and toxic liquor,” he affirmed.

The crackdown also underscores the urgency of enforcing the National Alcohol Policy 2025, which prioritises tighter regulation, stronger enforcement, and greater consumer protection from harmful alcohol products.

As multi-agency efforts intensify, the Nyeri raid serves as a stark reminder: the fight against counterfeit alcohol is unrelenting, and offenders will face the full force of the law.