A multi-agency team has seized 13,200 litres of ethanol, thousands of packets of suspected counterfeit cigarettes and arrested seven suspects during an intelligence-led operation in Umoja, Thika West Sub-County.
The operation targeted a compound believed to have been used as a storage and distribution hub for illegal goods.
During the raid, officers recovered 66 drums, each containing 200 litres of ethanol, bringing the total volume seized to 13,200 litres.
Detectives also discovered 17,640 packets of suspected counterfeit Pall Mall cigarettes concealed beneath various animal hides inside one of the lorries found at the premises, in what investigators believe was an attempt to evade detection.
Two lorries suspected to have been used to transport the illicit consignment were impounded during the operation.
Authorities said all recovered items have been secured as exhibits as investigations continue to establish the full extent of the suspected criminal network behind the operation.
The seven suspects arrested were identified as Isaack Muthee, Lenkai Olemelei, Simon Ndung’u, Paul Mwangi, Stephen Mbugua, Julius Mutuku and Nicolete Lodway. They remain in police custody pending processing and arraignment in court.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) said the operation is part of ongoing efforts to dismantle illegal trade networks involved in the manufacture and distribution of illicit goods.
According to the agency, such criminal activities pose a threat to public health, fuel organised crime, undermine legitimate businesses and deny the government much-needed tax revenue. Investigations are ongoing.
