By Dorothy Musyoka
In a significant breakthrough in the national campaign against illicit substances, a multi-agency operation in Webuye, Bungoma County has intercepted a lorry transporting 35 containers of suspected ethanol hidden beneath crates of milk cartons.
The daring sting operation was jointly executed by the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA), the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), and the National Police Service.
NACADA CEO Dr. Anthony Omerikwa, who led the operation on the ground, described the bust as “more than just smuggling it was a direct attack on public health.”
“This was not just smuggling it was a direct attack on public health,” Dr. Omerikwa stated.
He affirmed that the agency is now tracking down every link in the smuggling chain and that appropriate legal action will follow.
“We are tracking every link in the chain. Assets will be seized. Lives must be protected,” Dr. Omerikwa declared.
Samples of the seized liquid have been forwarded to the Government Chemist for verification and toxicological analysis.
Preliminary indications suggest the ethanol was intended for the manufacture of illicit alcoholic beverages, posing severe health risks to unsuspecting consumers.
Dr. Omerikwa commended the synergy demonstrated by the local police and KRA officers, urging for deeper cooperation and real-time information sharing among all enforcement agencies to safeguard communities.
NACADA reiterated its commitment to combating illegal alcohol and drug trade and urged the public to remain vigilant.
NACADA urged the public to report any suspicious activities anonymously through NACADA’s toll-free hotline: 1192.