Authorities in West Pokot County have destroyed more than 500 rolls of bhang and several litres of illicit alcohol as part of an intensified operation targeting drug abuse and the illegal alcohol trade. The destruction was carried out in Kishaunet, Kapenguria Constituency, where security agencies have launched a 100-day crackdown aimed at eliminating the production, distribution and sale of illegal brews and drugs.
The operation comes after West Pokot emerged as the second-highest ranked county in the Rift Valley region for the prevalence of illicit alcohol and drug abuse, raising concerns among authorities over the impact of the menace on residents. Speaking during the launch of the 100-day operation, West Pokot Deputy County Commissioner Samuel Kiarie said security agencies would focus on individuals involved in manufacturing and distributing illicit alcoholic drinks.
Kiarie said the government, through relevant agencies working alongside the police, will maintain the crackdown to ensure those involved in the illegal trade are brought to account. He further warned manufacturers and distributors of illicit brews that security agencies would continue pursuing them as authorities intensify efforts to curb drug and alcohol abuse across the county. The government is expected to sustain the operation throughout the 100-day period, with authorities seeking to disrupt the supply networks behind illicit alcohol and drugs while protecting communities from the effects of substance abuse.
