Three arrested with 2,000 bags of illegal sugar in Eastleigh

Police have arrested three suspects who were allegedly nabbed with 2,000 bags of contraband sugar from Brazil in Nairobi’s Eastleigh estate.

Inspector General of Police Joseph Boinnet said the three were apprehended after failing to produce necessary documents to back the products in their possession.

According to the police the sugar was meant for industrial use but not human consumption, but the suspects were packaging it for sale to unsuspecting Kenyans.

“Some of the bags had clear markers indicating that the product was not fit for direct human consumption,” said Boinnet.

“That clearly indicates that the product was meant for something else. We have asked relevant government agencies to come here and take samples to determine what the ‘sugar’ was intended for.”

504 containers that are said to contain cooking oil whose origin and quality is unknown were also seized during the crackdown.

“The cooking oil had the standard mark of quality stickers on them but KEBS will have to verify the product authenticity and quality,” added Boinnet.

Wanyama Musyambi, the deputy head of public service, blamed the authorities at the border points for the infiltration of counterfeit goods into the country.

“The only way that these counterfeit products enter our country is through our borders. Kenya is currently plagued by fake products in the market and the manufacturing industry is suffering as a result.  All officers stationed at these entry and exit points will have to account for their individual activities because the only way these products enter our nation is if some individuals look the other way,” said Mr. Musyambi.

The nabbed suspects were taken to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations headquarters for further questioning.

The Inspector General also issued a stern warning to others involved in the trade of counterfeit products.

“This is a step in our efforts to combat the sale of counterfeit goods in our nation and in executing our mandate as the National Police Service we wish to serve notice to persons engaged in this trade to watch their backs. The days of flooding this country with counterfeit goods are coming to an end,” said Boinnet.