One arrested as NACADA seizes hundreds of bottles of poisonous Illicit alcohol in Kitui

The raid, conducted at the Trade Lounge Club in Kalundu after weeks of intelligence gathering, uncovered 670 cartons of second-generation alcohol hidden in concealed storage rooms designed to evade routine checks.

Investigators later traced the source of the contraband to a homestead in Wikililye, Nzambani Ward, where they found what officers described as a fully operational illegal distillery.

Inside the compound, enforcement teams discovered chemical mixers, bottling equipment, storage drums, and hundreds of counterfeit stickers used to brand the liquor. Two suspects — including a man authorities say has been under investigation for months — were arrested at the scene.

NACADA CEO Dr. Antony Omerikwa said the seizure exposes the scale and organisation behind the illicit alcohol trade in the region, noting that such operations continue to pose serious public health risks. He added that enforcement efforts would continue.

At Kitui Police Station, OCPD Mwisiho Karanja confirmed that evidence gathered so far indicates a well-established supply chain feeding illegal brews into the local market. He said police will heighten patrols as investigations expand.