Police have arrested a notorious chang’aa dealer and seized 400 litres of illicit liquor during an intelligence-led operation in Shaviringa, Tiriki East Sub-County, Vihiga County.

In a statement by the National Police Service on Thursday, July 2, 2026, officers from Cheptulu Police Station conducted the operation after gathering intelligence on the person of interest, who had been evading arrest.

The raid led to the recovery of 400 litres of chang’aa, which police said has been secured as an exhibit.

“During the raid, 400 litres of chang’aa were seized at the scene. The person of interest was placed in custody, awaiting processing and arraignment in court,” the NPS said.

Illicit brews crackdown

The arrest forms part of the ongoing crackdown on the manufacture, sale and distribution of illicit alcohol, which authorities say continues to pose serious health and security risks in communities across the country.

The National Police Service commended members of the public for providing information that contributed to the successful operation, saying public cooperation remains crucial in the fight against illegal drugs and illicit brews.

“The National Police Service commends the public for their collaboration. This partnership remains vital in eliminating illegal drugs and illicit alcohol within our communities,” the statement said.

Illicit goods in Kisumu

This comes just a day after the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), in collaboration with other government agencies, destroyed illicit goods worth approximately Ksh100 million in a renewed crackdown aimed at protecting consumers, supporting legitimate businesses and sealing off the market for counterfeit and smuggled products.

The destruction exercise, conducted at the Kenya Industrial Research and Development Institute (KIRDI) in Kisumu on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, brought together officers from KRA, the National Government Administration Officers (NGAO), the National Police Service, the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA), the Anti-Counterfeit Authority and other enforcement agencies.

Speaking during the exercise, KRA representative Nancy Chemutai described the destruction as a major milestone in the fight against illicit trade, saying it reflected the agency’s commitment to protecting government revenue and ensuring unsafe products do not reach consumers.

“Today marks a milestone in the fight against illicit alcohol. It is not just a win for KRA but also for all the government agencies we partner with. It is a mark of KRA’s commitment to secure taxes and ensure that illicit products do not find their way into the market,” she said.