Police officers in Garissa and Bungoma have recently seized large quantities of suspected contraband sugar and second-generation liquor. These operations come as part of an intensified effort by law enforcement to curb the flow of illegal products across the country, especially as the festive season approaches.
On the morning of Wednesday, December 4, 2024, police in Garissa intercepted 88 bags of suspected contraband sugar along the Modika-Modogashe Road. The incident unfolded during a routine patrol by the Border Police patrol team, who were on the lookout for any suspicious activity in the area. While patrolling the Nuno region of Garissa, the officers spotted two Toyota Probox vehicles acting suspiciously. When the officers approached the vehicles to engage with the occupants, the drivers attempted to flee. This led to a high-speed chase by the officers, who successfully immobilized both vehicles after a short pursuit.
Upon conducting a search of the vehicles, police uncovered 88 bags of sugar, each weighing 25 kilograms, hidden in the two cars. The vehicles were immediately seized and taken into custody, and the sugar was confiscated for further investigation. The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) confirmed that a multi-agency team would verify the legality and origin of the sugar. Such contraband sugar is often smuggled into the country to evade taxes and regulatory measures, undermining both public health standards and local businesses.
The DCI’s involvement in the investigation underscores the seriousness of the matter. The police are particularly concerned about the rise in contraband goods, which negatively impact legitimate businesses and the economy. As of now, authorities are working to ascertain the origin of the sugar and whether it has been illegally imported or produced.
In a separate operation on December 3, Kimilili-based DCI detectives seized 120 bottles of suspected second-generation liquor in Bungoma County. This discovery came after a well-planned ambush on a motorist who was distributing the illicit alcohol. The bottles, believed to be part of the counterfeit liquor trade, were seized and logged by the police for further investigation.
Second-generation liquor, often produced in unregulated and unsafe environments, poses significant health risks to consumers. It is typically made with harmful chemicals and may be bottled under fake labels to deceive buyers. With the festive season approaching, there is a heightened concern among law enforcement and public health officials about the potential rise in the sale of such dangerous products.
As part of the ongoing operation against illicit alcohol, the DCI has already handed over the seized liquor to a multi-agency team, which will continue the investigation. The public is being urged to be vigilant and report any suspicious vendors who may be selling contraband liquor. The DCI also warned the public about the dangers of consuming fake alcohol, particularly during the holidays, when the demand for alcohol spikes.
This heightened vigilance is not limited to sugar and liquor alone. In October 2024, police in Nakuru arrested three individuals, including two men and a woman, for allegedly producing counterfeit alcohol. The police seized 60 sacks of assorted bottle caps, a plastic molding machine, two and a half drums of ethanol, and various labels and stickers for fake alcohol brands. This operation highlights the growing scale of the counterfeit alcohol trade in Kenya, with organized syndicates targeting vulnerable communities by selling harmful, unregulated alcohol.
The actions by the police in Garissa and Bungoma, along with the broader crackdown on illicit goods and counterfeit alcohol, are part of a larger strategy by the DCI to combat the illegal trade that undermines public safety and the economy. These seizures are a clear indication that law enforcement is intensifying its efforts to protect consumers from the dangers posed by contraband and counterfeit goods.
As the holiday season approaches, authorities are calling on the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity, ensuring that the festive period remains safe for all.
