Nairobi — The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Thursday reported the seizure of untaxed liquor estimated to have cost the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) Sh342,482.

The alcoholic drinks impounded in Nakuru were reported to have been packed in over 120 cartons, DCI said.

The agency said the consignment was recovered in a joint operation between KRA and DCI's Economic Crimes Unit.

"The consignment included 79 cartons of Spark vodka, 26 of Bob vodka, 17 of Best vodka, 1 carton of Boss vodka and 2 cartons full of assorted bottle caps were recovered," DCI stated.

The recovery comes at a time Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is leading efforts to contain drug abuse and alcoholism which is prevalent in the central region.

He has directed the national government administrators at the regional and county levels to crackdown on illicit liquor.

The DP has also called on the county governments to regulate issuance of licenses for bars and pubs, saying consumption of illicit liquor has reached worrying levels and threatens to clear a generation of the youth particularly in Central Kenya.

Gachagua has so far held several consultative meetings on Tackling Alcoholism further indicating the government's move to building rehabilitation centres in all counties to deal with drug and alcohol abuse.

"The illicit brews have demolished the family structure. It is evident. For instance, the number of children joining early childhood education has declined," he said during a recent consultative forum.

Gachagua is expected to convene additional forums in Nakuru, Mombasa, Kakamega and Embu.