By BRIAN MUSYOKA
Police in Embu West have seized 540 litres of illicit brew during a multi-agency operation targeting illegal alcohol production in Kawanjara, Runyenjes Constituency.
The operation was mounted following a tip-off from members of the public who alerted authorities to an illegal brewing operation being conducted in a nearby bush.
Embu West Deputy County Commissioner Mercy Gatobu said police officers acted on the information and raided the site, where they found the illegal alcohol production taking place.
During the operation, officers destroyed about 800 litres of alcohol that was being cooked in the bush, effectively disrupting the suspected illegal brewing operation.
Gatobu said no arrests were made during the raid after the suspects fled into a thicket upon noticing the arrival of the security officers.
However, officers recovered a motorcycle that was found at the scene and is suspected to have been used to transport or distribute the illicit brew.
The Deputy County Commissioner warned individuals involved in the manufacture and sale of illicit alcohol that security agencies would continue conducting operations to dismantle such businesses.
She said authorities would not allow illegal alcohol dealers to continue operating, adding that those found engaging in the trade would be arrested and face the law.
Agnes Kanyingi, the NACADA officer in charge of the Mt Kenya region, warned residents against consuming illicit brews, saying they could contain dangerous chemicals that pose a serious risk to human health.
Kanyingi urged members of the public to continue providing information to authorities on illegal alcohol production, saying public cooperation was critical in combating the spread of illicit brews in the region.
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