PRESS RELEASE

ACA SEIZES SUSPECTED COUNTERFEIT ALCOHOL WORTH KSH 7.6 MILLION IN ELDORET

The Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA) has seized suspected counterfeit alcoholic beverages valued at KSh 7.6 million following an intelligence-led, multi-agency enforcement operation conducted in Eldoret Town.

ACA enforcement officers, working in a coordinated multi-agency operation, conducted an inspection at a residential premises located in Pioneer Estate, Eldoret. During the operation, officers recovered 1,103 cartons of Best Gin and 422 cartons of Best Brandy, with each carton containing 20 bottles of 250ml. The total seizure amounted to 1,525 cartons of suspected counterfeit alcohol.

The seized products were secured vide an official inventory and transferred to the ACA Eldoret depot for safe custody pending further investigations. The suspect was arrested and has since been released on police cash bail pending completion of investigations.

Commenting on the seizure, Yusuf Osman, Director of Enforcement at the Anti-Counterfeit Authority, said the operation demonstrates the Authority’s firm stance against illicit alcohol and counterfeit trade.

“Suspected counterfeit alcohol poses a serious risk to public health and safety. These products are often manufactured and distributed outside approved regulatory and quality assurance frameworks, making them dangerous for consumption. This operation is part of our sustained enforcement efforts to intercept such products before they reach consumers,” said Mr. Osman.

He emphasized that multi-agency collaboration remains central to effective enforcement.

“Counterfeiting syndicates operate in networks, and dismantling them requires coordinated action. Through multi-agency collaboration, we are strengthening surveillance, intelligence sharing, and enforcement to ensure offenders are brought to justice,” he added.

Speaking separately, Peter Wanjala, ACA Regional Manager – Eldoret, noted that the seizure forms part of a broader national crackdown.

“This seizure is part of an ongoing nationwide campaign against illicit alcohol and drug abuse. We are intensifying operations across the region to protect communities from harmful products and to disrupt illegal storage and distribution points,” said Mr. Wanjala.

He further urged residents to remain vigilant and to work closely with enforcement agencies.

“We call upon members of the public to report any suspicious activities, storage facilities, or products. Public cooperation is a critical component in safeguarding lives and supporting legitimate businesses.”

The Anti-Counterfeit Authority reiterates its commitment to enforcing the Anti-Counterfeit Act, 2008, and to working with stakeholders to curb counterfeiting, illicit alcohol trade, and drug abuse across the country.