The Kenya Revenue Authority has destroyed contraband goods worth Sh3.3 million at Garissa, in a multi-agency operation led by Garissa assistant county commissioner 1, John Marete.
Marete warned Garissa businessmen involved in smuggling contraband goods, that stern action will be taken against them.
He said the government will not relent in its efforts to ensure the contraband goods do not get into the Kenyan market.
The destruction of the goods impounded in the last four years was okayed by the court.
Among the goods destroyed were 25 kgs of brown sugar (295 bags), fresh powder milk, heat retention wonder bags, women shoes, Deras, scarfs, interlining material and pain relief tablets.
Others were cooking oil, bed sheets, pillowcases, beauty products, assorted clothing, soccer balls and children's shoes.
“We warn the few individuals who are still involved in this kind of illegal business that we are not going to tolerate it,” he said on Saturday.
Marete said the products destroyed were a health risk to the residents, as they had not gone through the Kenya Bureau of Standards quality checks.
“Some of these products are not fit for human consumption. That is why we are destroying them to send a clear message to all those dealing with illegal goods that their days are numbered,” he said.
Marete urged residents to be careful when buying goods and ensure they have the Kebs quality mark, to shows they have been checked and certified.
“We want to encourage the security officers to continue working round the clock in the spirit of multi-agency teamwork to ensure, any contraband or unaccustomed goods are impounded and recovered,” he said.
He said the government is committed to protecting legitimate businesses that pay taxes from unfair market competition.
Last year while on a tour of Garissa county, Interior CS Fred Matiang’i instructed security agents in the North Eastern to deal with contraband trade.
Matiang’i said the trade is not only hurting business in Kenya but a direct revenue to Somali based al Shabaab terror group.
Edited by Kiilu Damaris
