Officers target illegal alcohol trade in Kawanjara.
Police and local administrators have seized 126 litres of suspected illicit alcohol and arrested one suspect during an operation in Embu County, as authorities intensify the fight against illegal brewing and alcohol sales.
Embu East Deputy County Commissioner Jane Waruinge said the operation was conducted in the Ena area, specifically Kawanjara sub-location, following intelligence provided by residents.
Speaking after the operation, Deputy county commissioner, Jane Waruinge said officers managed to arrest the suspected owner of the brew during a daytime raid.
“Leo tumekuwa na operation ya kumaliza pombe haramu na tumefanikiwa kwa sababu pale pahali tulielekezwa na wananchi,” she said, explaining that residents had helped officers locate the suspected operation.
Suspect caught off guard
Waruinge said officers recovered the alcohol and arrested the suspect before the people involved could flee.
“…tukaweza kushika mwenye pombe akiwa na lita 126,” she said, confirming the seizure of 126 litres.
She added that the operation was carried out during the day, when the suspect was not expecting the officers.
“Tumemvamia tu mchana hakuwa anajua tunakuja na tukaweza kumshika,” Waruinge said.
Previous raids failed
The Deputy County Commissioner said authorities had visited the area several times before but struggled to catch the people behind the trade.
“Na hii si mara ya kwanza officers wamekuja hapa mara mingi ACC amekuwa hapa mara mingi,” she said, noting that previous visits had not resulted in the arrest of the suspected owner.
According to Waruinge, people would flee whenever officers approached the location, making it difficult to apprehend those involved.
“Officers wakitokea tu mbali watu wanatoroka,” she said.
The latest operation forms part of efforts by local authorities to disrupt illicit alcohol production and sales. Residents have been urged to continue sharing information with authorities as the crackdown continues.
