The National Police Service (NPS) has stepped up its nationwide crackdown on illicit brews and narcotic drugs, arresting several persons of interest and destroying thousands of litres of illegal alcohol in coordinated operations across Kiambu, Nairobi and Bungoma counties.

In a statement issued on Thursday, July 9, 2026, the police said the intensified multi-agency operation targets the manufacture, distribution and consumption of illicit brews and narcotic substances, describing the vice as a major threat to public health and security.

Operations net persons of interest

According to the NPS, officers from Githunguri Police Station in Kiambu County acted on information from members of the public and intercepted a man at Githunguri Bus Stage on Wednesday, July 8.

Upon searching his luggage, officers recovered 20 litres of chang’aa packaged in one-litre clear nylon sachets.

“The suspect was arrested and escorted to Githunguri Police Station, and the recovered illicit brew was secured as an exhibit pending further investigations,” the police said.

In Nairobi, officers attached to Starehe Sub-County carried out an anti-narcotics operation in the Ngomongo area, leading to the arrest of another suspect.

Police recovered 53 rolls of cannabis sativa and 26 Cosmos tablets during the raid before booking the suspect at Korogocho Police Station pending arraignment.

Brewing den dismantled

In Bungoma County, a joint operation involving police officers and National Government Administrative Officers (NGAO) dismantled an illicit alcohol manufacturing site in Bukembe on Thursday.

The operation resulted in the arrest of three suspects and the recovery of more than 4,000 litres of illicit brew.

“All three suspects remain in lawful custody pending processing and arraignment before court,” the statement said.

The latest operations form part of an ongoing nationwide campaign aimed at dismantling illegal alcohol production networks and disrupting drug trafficking syndicates operating in different parts of the country.

Public urged to share information

The National Police Service commended members of the public whose information helped officers carry out the successful operations.

“The National Police Service commends members of the public who provided timely information that led to these successful operations,” NPS stated.

Police further warned individuals involved in the illicit alcohol and narcotics trade that enforcement operations will continue across the country.

“We reiterate that the crackdown on illicit alcohol and narcotics will intensify nationwide,” the Service said.

The renewed enforcement comes as the government sustains efforts to combat the manufacture and sale of illicit brews and illegal drugs, which authorities say continue to endanger lives, fuel crime and undermine community safety across the country.