An intelligence-led operation in Umoja, Thika West Sub-County, by a multi-agency team has led to the seizure of 13,200 litres of ethanol, thousands of packets of suspected counterfeit cigarettes and the arrest of seven suspects.
The operation focused on a compound thought to be used for storing and distributing illegal goods.
During the raid, officers found 66 drums, each holding 200 litres, filled with ethanol.
The team also discovered 17,640 packets of suspected counterfeit Pall Mall cigarettes cleverly hidden beneath various animal hides inside one of the lorries at the site.
The operation also led to the impounding of two lorries believed to have transported the illegal consignment.
All recovered items have been secured as exhibits as investigations continue to determine the full scope of the criminal network involved.
Meanwhile, police have arrested Isaac Muthee, Lenkai Olemelei, Simon Ndung’u, Paul Mwangi, Stephen Mbugua, Julius Mutuku, and Nicolete Lodway, during the incident.
At the same time the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) noted that it has focused on breaking down illegal trade networks that threaten public health, support organised crime, undermine legitimate businesses, and deprive the country of vital revenue.
