Five individuals have been apprehended and over 2,000 litres of kangara a traditional beer made from maize or millet seized in a large-scale raid targeting illicit brew and narcotics in Samburu County. The operation, carried out on Monday, April 14, was part of a broader campaign to combat illegal alcohol networks and drug abuse across the country.
The raid was conducted by a multi-agency team operating in collaboration with the police and other enforcement agencies. It took place in Maralal Town, specifically in Rangau Village, Kirisia Division, where the suspects were found engaged in the manufacture and possession of illegal brews including chang’aa, busaa, and kangara. The officers destroyed the seized quantities of kangara on site to prevent redistribution.
The suspects were taken into custody and are being held at Maralal Police Station. They are expected to be arraigned in court as part of continued efforts to enforce laws prohibiting the production and distribution of illicit alcoholic beverages. Authorities reiterated that this operation is one of many similar crackdowns aimed at safeguarding public health and safety.
The issue of drug and alcohol abuse continues to be a pressing concern nationally, particularly among the youth. Recent figures paint a worrying picture of increasing drug use among young adults, particularly in urban areas. One report revealed that nearly one in four young adults aged 18-24 in urban centres have experimented with drugs at social events, often held in private venues. The rising trend of drug consumption in such settings has added urgency to calls for stricter oversight and regulations.
A particular area of concern is the growing use of short-term rental accommodations, such as Airbnbs, which have become popular venues for parties and gatherings where drug use is prevalent. There have been several instances where these venues were the scene of drug overdoses, some of which ended in fatalities. These developments have spurred discussions on the need for tighter controls and surveillance of short-term rental operations to prevent them from being misused.
The efforts to curb the spread of narcotics and illicit alcohol have also extended to other parts of the country. In a separate recent operation, two individuals were found in possession of significant quantities of suspected cannabis, including 500 rolls, 251 packed sachets, five large bales, as well as rolling papers and weighing scales. The arrests underscored the scale of the problem and the lengths to which some individuals are going to traffic and distribute illegal substances.
Authorities continue to underscore a policy of zero tolerance toward drug and substance abuse. They have pledged to sustain and intensify operations aimed at rooting out the sources of illicit alcohol and narcotics. The ultimate goal, they say, is to protect vulnerable populations, particularly young people, from the harmful effects of substance abuse, which range from health complications to fatalities.
Communities are being urged to play a role by reporting suspicious activities and supporting rehabilitation efforts for affected individuals. As enforcement agencies ramp up their operations, a multi-pronged approach involving education, regulation, and law enforcement is seen as the most effective path forward in tackling the growing menace of drug and alcohol abuse.
