Police arrest two persons of interest after counterfeit juice factory raid in Kabete

Two individuals have been apprehended following a raid on a purported counterfeit juice manufacturing facility located in Muthua, Kabete, Kiambu County. The investigation was prompted by a report from a member of the public regarding suspicious activities at a residence in the region. Officers from the Kabete Police Station responded to the information and inspected the premises, where they encountered two men, Alex Mwaruta and James Munala Inyangala, who were allegedly engaged in the production of counterfeit juice.

The suspects were apprehended during the operation, as confirmed by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).

A thorough search of the residence revealed the remnants of a comprehensive counterfeiting operation. The DCI reported seizing around 1,400 filled 200ml and 300ml bottles purported to contain counterfeit juice. Additionally, 56 cartons of empty bottles, five packets of bottle caps, two blue drums, and three basins of various colors were recovered.

Other items included office glue, rubber stamps, ink, stickers, and an expired certificate authorizing the use of the Standardisation Mark for a renowned juice brand. The scene was thoroughly examined by detectives from the Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) unit, and the recovered items were preserved as evidence.

The suspects are currently held in custody while authorities continue their investigation into the alleged counterfeit operation. The DCI cautioned that beverages manufactured in unregulated and unhygienic conditions can present significant health hazards to consumers. The agency also emphasized that counterfeit products erode the earnings of legitimate manufacturers and generate illicit trade, thereby depriving the government of revenue.

The DCI reaffirmed its commitment to pursuing counterfeiters and dismantling the networks facilitating the illicit trade.