Machakos County’s Mumbuni area witnessed a major police operation, resulting in the arrest of three individuals and the confiscation of counterfeit alcohol valued at Ksh 3.4 million. The crackdown came after a tip-off from vigilant community members, highlighting the essential role public collaboration plays in the fight against illegal activities. The operation, executed by the Machakos joint security team, signals increased surveillance efforts to curb the spread of counterfeit goods in the county.
Details of the Operation
According to David Rotich, the Deputy County Commissioner (DCC) of Machakos, the counterfeit liquor was discovered in a residential house in Mumbuni. Acting on credible intelligence provided by members of the public, police officers responded swiftly, searching the premises and subsequently arresting three suspects. The police impounded a vehicle containing two brands of illicit alcohol labeled as Trace and Super, comprising 466 boxes of Trace and 517 boxes of the Super brand.
Addressing the press at the County Commander’s Office, Rotich underscored the importance of the public’s role in sharing information on criminal activities. “Police officers, acting on a tip-off from members of the public, went to Mumbuni area, arrested three suspects, and confiscated two different brands of counterfeit liquor,” he explained, lauding the collaborative effort that led to the successful operation.
Multi-Agency Effort in Curbing Counterfeit Liquor
The operation underscores a multi-agency approach, involving the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA), the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBs), and the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA). These organizations are collaborating with the police in investigating the seized products, ensuring that verification processes are stringent. The involvement of these regulatory bodies is crucial in addressing the counterfeiting issue, as counterfeit alcohol poses serious health risks and deprives the government of significant tax revenue.
In his statement, Rotich commended the different agencies for their integral roles in verifying the counterfeit products and supporting ongoing investigations. The police are working closely with these agencies to not only crack down on the suppliers of illegal products but also ensure the confiscated goods are safely disposed of to prevent further distribution.
Heightened Vigilance and Community Cooperation
Machakos County Police Commander Patrick Lobolia attributed the successful operation to the strong rapport between the police force and the local community, which has fostered an environment of trust and cooperation. He emphasized that the increase in police patrols within Machakos town has forced criminal activities to shift to rural villages. Recognizing this trend, the police are ramping up their efforts to monitor and patrol these areas as well.
Lobolia extended a cautionary message to landlords and property owners, urging them to conduct thorough vetting of potential tenants. This preventive measure, he noted, is necessary to ensure landlords do not unwittingly accommodate individuals involved in illegal activities, thereby avoiding legal ramifications themselves.
“Those who rent out their houses or apartments should ensure they vet their tenants, to know who they are and where they work, or they will get arrested,” warned Lobolia. This stern stance underscores the county’s commitment to deterring criminal activities at all levels, including the responsibilities of property owners in monitoring the uses of their premises.
Moving Forward
The three suspects are currently in custody, with investigations underway to establish the origin and network behind the distribution of the counterfeit liquor. Once investigations are complete, the suspects are expected to face charges in court. This crackdown is part of a broader strategy by Machakos County authorities to strengthen security and eradicate the sale of counterfeit goods, especially in the wake of increased reports of illegal alcohol operations.
Counterfeit liquor poses grave risks to the public, as these products often bypass the necessary health and safety standards, potentially leading to health hazards. The government’s intensified effort to address this issue is expected to significantly reduce the circulation of counterfeit alcohol, protecting both public health and the local economy.
This successful operation in Mumbuni is a testament to the effectiveness of community-police collaboration and the county’s commitment to safety. Through continued cooperation and vigilance, Machakos County aims to create a safer environment for all residents and ensure that legal regulations are strictly enforced.
