Police in Trans Nzoia County have intensified the war against illicit alcohol after a multi-agency security team raided several illegal brew dens in Kwanza Sub-County, recovering and destroying over 7,000 litres of illicit alcohol.

The National Police Service (NPS), in a statement issued via X on Saturday, May 16, 2026, said the intelligence-led operation was conducted in Forkland and surrounding areas under the leadership of the Sub-County Police Commander (SCPC) of Kwanza.

Chang’aa seized

During the operation, one person of interest was arrested after officers reportedly found him in possession of 40 litres of chang’aa.

Security officers also recovered and destroyed 630 litres of kangara at the scene, alongside several containers and equipment suspected to have been used in the illegal brewing business.

According to police, the crackdown targeted multiple dens believed to have been supplying illicit alcohol within the region.

“A multi-agency security team led by the Sub-County Police Commander (SCPC) of Kwanza conducted a successful intelligence-led operation targeting illicit brew dens at Forkland and its environs in Kwanza Sub-County, Trans Nzoia County,” the NPS stated.

“During the operation, one suspect was arrested after being found in possession of 40 litres of chang’aa. Officers also recovered and destroyed 630 litres of kangara at the scene.”

Thousands of litres destroyed

Authorities said the operation resulted in the destruction of approximately 7,000 litres of illicit brew recovered from various locations across the area.

Officers also seized metal drums and plastic storage containers believed to have been used for brewing and storing the illegal substances.

“Several other illicit brew dens were raided during the operation, leading to the recovery and destruction of approximately 7,000 litres of illicit brew. The officers also recovered metal drums and plastic storage drums suspected of having been used in illegal brewing activities,” the statement reads in part.

Suspected stolen goods recovered

In a major twist, the security team also recovered assorted items suspected to be stolen property during the raids.

Among the items recovered were loudspeakers, amplifiers, a generator, an HP laptop, mixers, water pumps, submersible pumps, a gas cylinder, and amplifier stands.

“In addition, the multi-agency security team recovered assorted items suspected to be stolen, including loudspeakers, amplifiers, a generator, an HP laptop, a mixer, water pumps, submersible pumps, a gas cylinder and an amplifier stand,” the police stated.

Investigators are now working to establish the ownership of the recovered items and whether they are linked to reported theft cases in the region.

Police said efforts are underway to track down additional persons of interest connected to the illegal brewing network.

The incident comes weeks after the police reported major seizures and arrests in several counties in a renewed push to dismantle supply networks.

The coordinated operations, led by the NPS with support from other government agencies, have targeted known hotspots, yielding a number of recoveries and underscoring the scale of the illegal trade.