Four suspects nabbed as detectives seize fake KRA stamps, counterfeit alcohol in Kiambu
Detectives have arrested four suspects linked to the production and sale of counterfeit alcohol in Kiambaa, Kiambu county.
Through a statement, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) stated that the four, Stephen Ngugi, Amos Maina, James Nyaga and George Kariuki were arrested following an operation conducted by a multi-agency team comprising of detectives and KRA officials.
The officials seized a roll of counterfeit KRA stamps, distillation equipment and chemicals used in the production of counterfeit alcoholic drinks.
“Bottles of counterfeited alcoholic products including Trace Vodka and the popular Chrome Vodka were also recovered,” DCI stated.
The raid follows a directive by President William Ruto to police, to conduct intelligence-led operations targeting counterfeit goods.
This was brought about by the revelation that some businesses were using counterfeit KRA stamps to evade taxation.
In November last year, detectives and KRA officials seized a consignment of counterfeit alcoholic drinks and arrested two people linked to its production.
Over 170 cartons containing thousands of bottles of counterfeited spirits destined for the local market were also recovered.
The counterfeited drinks, were packaged in branded bottles popular with the youth including, Konyagi, Triple Ace, Smart Vodka, Kibao among others.
