Five suspects have been arrested in Meru County after police officers recovered more than 1,450 litres of illicit alcohol in an operation targeting the production and distribution of illegal brews.
The crackdown was conducted in Imenti North Sub-county as the National Police Service intensified efforts to dismantle illicit alcohol production networks and curb the sale of unregulated alcoholic drinks.
According to the police, officers recovered more than 1,200 litres of Muna, alongside 250 litres of chang’aa, during the operation. The seizure also included equipment and raw materials believed to have been used in the production of the illegal brews.
Among the items recovered were 15 sets of distilling apparatus, 31 pieces of instant dry yeast and four 50-kilogram bags of sugar. The materials are commonly used in the preparation and distillation of alcoholic beverages.
The five suspects were taken into police custody pending processing and arraignment in court, where they are expected to face relevant charges in connection with the alleged illegal alcohol production and distribution.
The operation forms part of ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies to combat the manufacture and circulation of illicit alcoholic drinks, which authorities have repeatedly targeted through enforcement operations across the country.
The National Police Service reaffirmed its commitment to identifying, arresting and prosecuting individuals involved in the production and distribution of illicit brews, urging members of the public to support the fight by sharing information about suspected illegal activities.
Police called on residents to report any suspected cases to the nearest police station or through the national emergency toll-free numbers 999 and 911.
Members of the public can also share information with the Directorate of Criminal Investigations through the Fichua Kwa DCI hotline on 0800 722 203 or via WhatsApp on 0709 570 000.
Authorities continue to encourage public cooperation in efforts to disrupt illegal alcohol production and distribution networks and strengthen enforcement against those operating outside the law.
