A sting operation by detectives in Makongeni, Thika, on Sunday, January 22 led to the capture of 300 cartons of counterfeit alcoholic drinks on their way to the market.
The operation led by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) in conjunction with the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) is one of the series of measures authorities have banked on to bring tax cheats to book.
In a statement by the DCI, the 300 cartons were dominated by spirits brands dominant in the Kenya liquor market.
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“A consignment of counterfeit alcoholic drinks has been impounded by detectives following an ongoing operation on high-level tax evasion schemes by traders dealing in alcoholic products.” said the DCI.
“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.”
The investigative agency also noted that the drinks had fake KRA stamps attached to them.
“KRA officers accompanying our officers during the operation also confirmed that the seized drinks had counterfeited revenue stamps affixed to them. 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.” stated the DCI.
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Last week, President William Ruto directed the provincial administration to work closely with county governments to help address indiscriminate alcohol consumption in central Kenya that has rendered a significant number of youths useless.
The President was speaking during the launch of an affordable housing program in Kiambu, where Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua decried deep-rooted alcoholism in the five counties of the expansive central region.
“You have heard what the DP has said about our children. I ask all the security officers to work with county governments and establish how they can solve this problem,” said Ruto.
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