Police officers in Lugari, Kakamega County, have destroyed over 2,700 litres of kangara and seized 550 litres of chang’aa in Marakusi location during a crackdown operation targeting the production and sale of illicit brews in the sub-county.
The raid, led by Lumakanda Officer Commanding Station (OCS), Wycliffe Kwendo, resulted in one arrest and the impounding of several motorcycles used to transport and distribute the illicit liquor.
Speaking to the press at Lumakanda Police Station, Lugari Deputy County Commissioner Jeremiah Tumo vowed that law enforcement will not relent in the fight against illicit brews and drugs and substance abuse, warning that the days of perpetrators are numbered.
“Yesterday, our officers carried out an intelligence-led crackdown in one of the locations notorious for the production of illicit brews. We recovered and destroyed over 2,700 litres of kangara and seized 550 litres of chang’aa,” said Tumo.
He added that seven motorcycles used to ferry the illicit liquor to various destinations were also impounded.
The operation forms part of intensified crackdowns under the 100 Days Rapid Results Initiative (RRI) against illicit brews and drugs, which kicked off on January 9.
Tumo noted that under the multi-agency approach, authorities have mapped out hotspots across the sub-county and will continue conducting intelligence-led operations to combat the illicit brew and drug menace.
“We are sending a stern warning to drug peddlers and those involved in the illicit alcohol trade: your days are numbered. We have resolved to double our efforts. This crackdown will not stop, and all perpetrators will be arrested and prosecuted,” he said.
The deputy commissioner appealed to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) to ensure that arrests lead to successful prosecutions.
“It is one thing to arrest offenders; it is another to prosecute them. These cases must be successfully prosecuted so that harsh punishment acts as a deterrent to others involved or seeking to enter this trade,” Tumo emphasised.
He also said the multi-agency team is working closely with NACADA to understand the link between molasses production and the manufacture of chang’aa and kangara in the western region.
“There is a close relationship that must be addressed to curb the menace effectively,” he added.
By Melechezedeck Ejakait
