A consignment of 1,650 bottles of suspected counterfeit alcohol was recovered in the Lower Eastern Region/HANDOUT.A multi-agency operation has dealt a major blow to the illicit alcohol trade after 1,625 bottles of suspected counterfeit liquor were seized in a raid in the Lower Eastern region.
In a statement on Wednesday, the Anti-Counterfeit Authority said the operation was carried out jointly with officers from the Kenya Revenue Authority, National Police Service, and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations.
The consignment was recovered from a depot, with officers also confiscating a vehicle believed to have been used to transport and distribute the products.
Preliminary checks revealed multiple signs of counterfeiting, including suspected fake excise stamps, irregular packaging, evidence of bottle refilling, and tamper seals inconsistent with genuine products.
The seized alcohol has been taken to Kunza Police Station pending forensic analysis and the outcome of investigations. ACA Lower Eastern Regional Head Martin Luther warned that such products pose serious health risks to unsuspecting consumers.
“The findings from this operation are deeply concerning because they show how such products can be packaged and distributed in a way that misleads consumers while putting their health at risk,” he said.
Authorities said a suspect is under investigation and is expected to be arraigned in court to face charges under the Anti-Counterfeit Act and the Excise Duty Act, 2015.
The agency said the raid underscores ongoing efforts to protect public health and curb the spread of counterfeit goods, urging the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious products.
