Kenyan police nab four suspects over contraband goods

Thursday August 23, 2018

The Kenyan police said on Wednesday that they are interrogating four suspects who were arrested in separate incidents for carrying contraband sugar and cigarettes from two neighboring countries.

Deputy Head of Public Service Wanyama Musiambo said the three trucks carrying suspected contraband sugar weighing a total of 36 tons from Somalia were seized on Tuesday in Wajir in northeast Kenya.

"The impounded sugar is undergoing verification and inspection by the multi-agency team. Three suspects were arrested and are in police custody," Musiambo said in a statement issued in Nairobi.

He also said the police on Wednesday seized 691 cartons of suspected contraband cigarettes in Lokichogio, Turkana county in northwest Kenya.

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Musiambo said the cigarettes were found packed in soft drink containers on transit from Sudan through Nadapal border point.

He said the verification process for both seizures is ongoing. "One person was arrested in connection with the seized cigarette cargo and is in police custody," Musiambo said.

"All traders and importers are warned that the government will not allow or entertain dirty business practices in this country hence those found to contrive the law will be dealt with firmly according to the law," he warned.

The government has in recent months intensified efforts towards the eradication of corruption and illicit trade, counterfeits, fake business stickers, dumping and entry of fake goods through all ports of entry mainly through the port of Mombasa.

Kenya estimates that it loses an estimated 8 million dollars annually through influx of counterfeit and sub-standard goods that are detrimental to fair trade, human health and national security.

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