DCI, KRA Raid Home, Seize Fake Alcohol Worth Ksh7.8 Million

Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) backed by officers from the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) on Saturday, November 25 conducted a raid on a residential house in Kiambu County.

In a statement, DCI's Economic and Commercial Crimes Unit and the KRA officers carried out the operation in which they seized over 3,800 bottles of counterfeit alcohol packaged in popular brands at the residence within the Kirigiti area.

"Additionally, 24,000 pieces of counterfeit KRA Stamps, 260 litres of Ethanol, 3 Sacks of assorted bottle caps and 3,440 pieces of empty bottles have also been recovered from the same house," stated the DCI.

Cartons of counterfeit alcohol seized by DCI and KRA officers on November 25, 2023. /DCI

The investigative agency projected the value of the illicit recoveries at Ksh7.84 million with a Value Added Tax (VAT) loss of Ksh1.3 million as well as an excise duty loss of Ksh2.8 million.

"Upon conclusion of the relevant legal procedures, the recovered goods have been escorted to a KRA Warehouse. 

"Further, detectives have launched a manhunt for the suspect who is still at large," added the DCI.

This is the second large-scale raid DCI and KRA have conducted in three days in efforts to crack down on counterfeit products through sting raids on dens harbouring fake alcohol disguised in bottles with labels from popular brands.

This is in anticipation of the festive season, where the sales of alcohol among other goods across the country are expected to peak with Kenyans eager to merry-make into the New Year.

On Wednesday, November 25, DCI and KRA officers raided a building on Kirinyaga Road, Nairobi and seized counterfeit alcohol contained in 4,920 pieces of 250 ml bottles.

The consignment contained in mixed brands was estimated to have a value of Ksh984,000 and was escorted to a KRA warehouse.

"The recovery which comprises mixed brands of the illicit liquor with an estimated value of Ksh984,000 has been escorted to a KRA warehouse, and a seizure notice was issued to the suspect," stated the DCI.

As the crackdown christened Operation Uchumi heightens, DCI reported that further investigations were ongoing to establish the source of the counterfeit drinks.