By Shadrack Nyakoe
In a continued effort to eliminate counterfeit goods from the market, a joint task force composed of officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Headquarters, Nakuru Regional County Investigations Office, and the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) Enforcement Unit have arrested three individuals in Nakuru for producing counterfeit alcoholic spirit brands.
The suspects—Mary Mugure, Peter Macharia, and Vincent Kibagendi—were apprehended at a warehouse located on Print Press Road in Nakuru’s industrial area. During the operation, officers seized 60 sacks filled with assorted bottle caps used for various alcoholic spirit brands.
They also confiscated a plastic molding machine, two and a half drums of ethanol, and a large quantity of labels and stickers meant for the production of fake brands.
These materials, including the bottle caps and ethanol, were vital components in the fabrication of counterfeit spirits, posing a significant health risk to consumers.
The items were transported to a Kenya Revenue Authority warehouse in Nakuru, where they will be used as evidence in the forthcoming legal proceedings.
The suspects are currently in police custody and will face charges once they are arraigned in court.
The operation underscores the government’s commitment to working with key stakeholders, including the KRA, to tackle the production and distribution of counterfeit goods that threaten public safety and undermine legitimate businesses.
The DCI has reaffirmed its determination to combat the infiltration of counterfeit products in the market, pledging continued collaboration with other law enforcement agencies and stakeholders to ensure that those involved in illegal activities are brought to justice.