MURANG’A, Kenya – In a significant operation against the illegal alcohol trade, Murang’a County’s multiagency team has impounded thousands of litres of substandard and illicit liquor, leading to the arrest of 583 suspects. The crackdown, led by local security personnel over the past two weeks, also resulted in the seizure of materials such as ethanol, which is used in the manufacture of alcohol.

According to Kenya News Agency, the county security team, supported by officers from other agencies including the Kenya Revenue Authority, Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS), the Anti Counterfeit Agency, and the Government Chemist, has made substantial progress since the initiative’s launch. Nkanatha, in a press briefing on Tuesday, highlighted the operation’s achievements, including the arrest of a significant number of suspects and the confiscation of hundreds of crates of illicit brews.

The operation aimed to combat the widespread issue of alcoholism in the region by targeting the sale and distribution of illegal alcohol. Nkanatha noted that 270 of the 583 cases have already been concluded, with the government collecting Sh7.2 million in fines from these cases. The results from the government chemist and KEBS are pending, which will help determine the exact nature of the impounded substances.

Additionally, the crackdown saw the seizure of 94 kilograms and 956 rolls of bhang, with one peddler having branded the narcotic substance. This part of the operation dismantled a significant drug syndicate, according to Nkanatha.

Murang’a County Police Commander David Mathiu also commented on the efforts, emphasizing the security team’s commitment to eradicating the illicit brew menace from production to distribution. He urged security officers to remain serious and uncorrupted in their duties.

In parallel, the county security team is conducting Operation Linda Mananasi, targeting pineapple theft from Delmonte farms. This operation has led to the recovery of 16,905 pineapples, the conviction of 222 criminals, and the collection of Sh3,096,000 in fines. Several motorcycles and vehicles used in transporting the stolen pineapples have been impounded as well.

These concerted efforts underscore the determination of Murang’a authorities to address not only the illegal alcohol trade but also other forms of criminal activity affecting the region’s safety and economic well-being.