Police net 600 cartons of illicit liquor hidden in a forest in Meru

Igembe North Deputy County Commissioner Malack Namai (centre) holds a bottle of illicit liquor from the more than 600 cartons that were found in a lorry hidden in Ngaya Forest on June 28, 2016. He said authorities would not relent in the fight against illegal alcohol. PHOTO | DICKSON MWITI | NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • He said it was unfortunate that the distributors were not concerned about [endangering] the lives of the consumers.
  • He advised women to be at the forefront in fighting the illegal alcohol since they were the most affected group.
  • Mr Namai urged the residents to support their chiefs, police officers and Njuri Ncheke elders in the fight.

Police in Igembe North, Meru County have netted more than 600 cartons of illicit brew packed in plastic bottles that was hidden in a forest.

Led by Deputy County Commissioner Malack Namai, the officers found the liquor hidden in Ngaya Forest.

Mr Namai vowed that they would carry out daily operations to eliminate the brew from the area.

“We have realised distributors of these brews have devised new methods of hiding the liquor but we will not relent in fighting them.

“The lorry that we have already impounded was coming from Nairobi [and was driven into] the forest after the driver realised he could be arrested,” said Mr Namai.

He said it was unfortunate that the distributors were not concerned about [endangering] the lives of the consumers.

The distributors, he added, have been rushing to courts to get orders barring police from destroying seized brews, he said, adding that this will not stop them from doing what they were employed to do.

ADVICE TO WOMEN

He advised women to be at the forefront in fighting the illegal alcohol since they were the most affected group.

“Don’t allow alcohol to destroy your husbands and sons. You will not be in a position to meet all their needs since they will soon become useless.
“Report those preparing the brews to us and we shall take the necessary action.
“Ensure all the drinking dens in this area are closed down and when it becomes difficult for you to do this just call us and we will give the necessary assistance,” Mr Namai said.

He said there was no benefit in allowing one person to make money through the sale of the liquor and ruin the lives of others.

“Tell such people that you are being affected and they should look for an alternative way of making money,” he added.

He urged the residents to support their chiefs, police officers, Njuri Ncheke elders and Maendeleo ya Wanawake officials who were working hard to ensure the brew is eliminated from the sub-county.