NAIROBI, Kenya — Detectives have busted an alleged counterfeit juice manufacturing operation at a homestead in Muthua, Kabete, following a tip-off from a member of the public.
Police from Kabete Police Station raided the premises and found two men, Alex Mwaruta and James Munala Inyangala, allegedly in the process of manufacturing counterfeit juice.
The two were arrested at the scene.
A search of the homestead uncovered what detectives described as an elaborate counterfeiting operation.
Among the items recovered were about 1,400 filled 200ml and 300ml bottles of suspected counterfeit juice, 56 cartons of empty bottles, five packets of bottle tops, two blue drums and three assorted-colour basins.
Detectives also seized office glue, rubber stamps and ink, assorted stickers and an expired certificate authorising the use of the Standardisation Mark for a well-known juice brand.
Several powdery and colourless substances were also recovered. They had been packed in polythene bags in 50-gram portions and in 200ml and 300ml bottles.
Crime Scene Processed
The scene was processed by detectives from the Crime Scene Investigation unit, while the recovered items were secured as exhibits.
The two suspects remain in police custody as investigations into the alleged counterfeit production operation continue.
Authorities have warned that counterfeit beverages manufactured in unregulated and potentially unhygienic environments can pose health risks to consumers.
The trade also undermines legitimate manufacturers and can result in loss of government tax revenue.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations said it would continue pursuing individuals and networks involved in the production and distribution of counterfeit products.
