One Arrested, 10 Escape As DCI Seize 3 Tanks Full Of Fake Alcohol

Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have arrested one suspect and recovered a consignment of unaccustomed alcoholic drinks and fake Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) stamps in Kasarani, Nairobi County. 

According to DCI's statement on Wednesday, February 8, Johanes Odhiambo was arrested following an intelligence-led operation conducted by a multi-agency team comprising officers from KRA and DCI.

After receiving actionable intelligence, the team raided an unmarked go-down within Kasarani's Vickens 30 Industrial park area where following a detailed search, the officers managed to recover an assortment of different types of spirits, 250 litres drums of ethanol, assorted bottle lids and assorted counterfeit KRA stamps.

"Also recovered were 3 empty tanks of 3,000 litres, one 5,000 litre tank full of blended alcohol, and a 10,000 litre tank containing 3,000 litres of blended alcoholic drink. Assorted empty alcohol bottles and a fully-fledged manufacturing and bottling plant were also discovered at the go-down," stated the DCI in part.

The scene has since been preserved for further processing and investigation by DCI's Economic and Commercial Crimes Unit, while the suspect is being held at a police facility for questioning to provide leads for the apprehension of his 10 other accomplices who took off.

This comes as a consignment of counterfeit alcoholic drinks was on Sunday, January 22 impounded by DCI detectives following an ongoing operation on high-level tax evasion schemes by traders dealing in alcoholic products.

Over 300 cartons containing thousands of bottles of counterfeited spirits destined for the local market were recovered, following the meticulous operation conducted by DCI sleuths and KRA officials.

The counterfeited drinks whose safety to consumers could not be immediately ascertained were packaged in branded bottles that are popular with the youth including, Kane Extra, King Vodka, Nest Vodka, Hunters Vodka, Chrome Vodka, Blue Ice Vodka, Konyagi, Triple Ace, Hunters Vodka, K.C Vodka, Kibao among others. 

"Earlier, the detectives acting on intelligence had raided a residential property at Mugi Court in Makongeni Thika Sub-County, where empty bottles of different brands, hundreds of litres of ethanol and the illegal consignment were confiscated. 

"KRA officers accompanying our officers during the operation also confirmed that the seized drinks had counterfeited revenue stamps affixed on them," stated the DCI in part.

The recovery comes days after the detectives arrested suspects engaged in the printing of fake KRA stamps including those from neighbouring countries of Uganda and Tanzania.

The DCI stated that the arrest was part of an ongoing crackdown on counterfeit products in the market dubbed 'Operation Uchumi' meant to seize those producing counterfeited Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) stamps.

Peter Mburu, James Kigera, Frankline M’Mburia, Mary Wanjiku, Titus Ndegwa and Jane Muthoni were rounded up in different parts of Nairobi and counterfeit stamps including those from Tanzania Revenue Authority and Uganda Revenue Authority were recovered.

"One of the suspects Titus Ndegwa who was arrested at his residence in Thindigua was found to be a civilian firearm holder whose firearm a Glock pistol, loaded with 9 rounds of ammunition was confiscated," stated the DCI in part.