Aston Lukoye
- Detectives recover a consignment of uncustomed powdered milk worth over Sh75 million in Nairobi’s Eastlands suburbs.
- The powdered milk had been declared unfit for human consumption at the Port of Mombasa and marked for destruction.
- Suspected illicit transportation of the condemned milk from a Mombasa godown to Nairobi for repackaging and sale to unsuspecting consumers.
In a successful operation led by detectives from the Economic & Commercial Crimes Unit and officers from the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), a consignment of uncustomed powdered milk worth over Sh75 million was recovered in a well-coordinated raid on a godown situated in Nairobi’s Eastlands suburbs.
The consignment, consisting of 1,511 bags of powdered milk, had previously been declared unfit for human consumption at the Port of Mombasa. It had been marked for destruction, raising questions about how it ended up in a godown located in Umoja III’s Mowlem area, a mystery that investigators are determined to unravel.
Detectives raid
Authorities suspect that the condemned powdered milk was illicitly transported from a godown in Mombasa and secretly hauled to Nairobi for repackaging. The intention was to sell the rebranded product to unsuspecting members of the public.
Acting swiftly on intelligence received via the #FichuakwaDCI hotline, the detectives conducted the raid, resulting in the discovery of the 25 kg bags of powdered milk. Alarming details emerged as investigators noticed that the bags had their expiry dates removed, suggesting a deliberate attempt to deceive consumers.
Officials from the Kenya Bureau of Standards promptly declared the illegal shipment unfit for human consumption. It is estimated that the government lost over Sh32 million in unpaid taxes due to this illicit operation.
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The authorities are currently on a manhunt for the mastermind behind this high-level scheme, which, if successful, could have had devastating consequences on the health of Kenyans. Detectives are determined to bring the individuals responsible for this criminal act to justice.
The swift resolution of this case would not have been possible without the invaluable contribution of a vigilant member of the public who provided information regarding the consignment. Authorities extend their gratitude to this individual and call upon the wider public to follow suit, emphasizing the importance of collective efforts for the safety and security of the nation.
Efforts to safeguard public health and combat economic crimes remain a top priority for the government and law enforcement agencies. Measures will be strengthened to prevent similar occurrences and to ensure the integrity and safety of products in the market.
The public urged to be vigilant
The authorities urge the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities or products that could pose a threat to public health or undermine the economy. Together, through active participation, the citizens of Kenya can help create a safer and more secure environment for all.
