The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) is now calling on community support in heightened crackdown on drug traffickers.

The authority on Friday said community support is crucial not only for fighting drug abuse but also protecting the youths and safeguarding the future.

CEO Dr Anthony Omerikwa  speaking in Webuye where a lorry transporting what is suspected to be illegal ethanol was intercepted during a joint multi-agency operation said a time has come for the members of the public to be part of the fight by reporting suspicious activity anonymously through NACADA’s toll-free hotline 1192.

Dr Omerikwa said the lorry was found with 35 containers, each holding 250 liters of a clear liquid, carefully concealed under cartons of milk in an apparent attempt to deceive law enforcement.

“This was not just an attempt to break the law; it was an intentional move to endanger lives. We will not relent in pursuing those involved in the manufacture, trafficking, and sale of illegal or uncustomised substances,” said Omerikes, adding, “Their assets will be traced and seized under the Proceeds of Crime and Anti-Money Laundering framework.”

According to him, samples of the seized liquid have been dispatched to the government chemist for analysis with preliminary investigations suggesting the ethanol was being trafficked for possible use in the manufacture of illicit alcohol.

While commending the swift action and coordination by the local police command and the Kenya Revenue Authority, Omerikwa said, “This successful operation is a testament to what inter-agency collaboration can achieve. I applaud our partners in the police and KRA for their vigilance and commitment to public safety.”

He emphasised the need for enhanced intelligence sharing across government agencies, noting, “More seizures and apprehensions are possible if we break silos and pool our efforts. The networks fueling this trade thrive on communication gaps. We must close them.”

He said investigations are ongoing to trace the origins and intended destination of the intercepted substance as NACADA and its partners ramp up efforts to dismantle the networks behind Kenya’s illicit drug trade.