Multi-agency raid seizes 13,200 litres of ethanol, suspected counterfeit cigarettes in Thika, seven arrested

A multi-agency team has seized 13,200 litres of ethanol, thousands of packets of suspected counterfeit cigarettes and arrested seven suspects during an intelligence-led operation in Umoja, Thika West Sub-County.

In a statement, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) said the operation targeted a compound believed to have been used for storing and distributing illegal goods.

During the raid, officers recovered 66 drums, each containing 200 litres of ethanol, bringing the total volume seized to 13,200 litres.

Detectives also recovered 17,640 packets of suspected counterfeit Pall Mall cigarettes, which had allegedly been concealed beneath animal hides inside one of the lorries found at the premises.

The operation further resulted in the impounding of two lorries believed to have been used to transport the illegal consignment.

According to the DCI, all recovered items have been secured as exhibits while investigations continue to establish the full extent of the suspected criminal network behind the illegal trade.

The seven suspects arrested were identified as Isaack Muthee, Lenkai Olemelei, Simon Ndung’u, Paul Mwangi, Stephen Mbugua, Julius Mutuku and Nicolete Lodway.

They are currently in police custody awaiting processing and arraignment.

“The Directorate of Criminal Investigations remains focused on dismantling illegal trade networks that threaten public health, support organised crime, undermine legitimate businesses and deprive the country of vital revenue,” the DCI said.