A multi-agency security team in Nakuru has seized 560 bags of suspected counterfeit fertiliser set to be issued to farmers in the region.
The operation followed an intelligence report that National Police Service officers received regarding the presence of substandard fertiliser at the National Cereals and Produce Board, Molo depot.
The multi-agency team comprised the Director of Criminal Investigations Molo, the area Critical Infrastructure Protection Unit (CIPU) commander, the Assistant County Commander, Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS) and Anti Counterfeit Agency officials.
"The multi-agency team visited the scene and established that a consignment of 560 bags of fertiliser from a Thika company being transported by a logistics company was to be delivered to NCPB Molo Depot on 21/3/2024 but it was cancelled on the same day at 21:47 Hrs according to NCPB-Agriculture Value chain Vouchering online system," a police report filed at Molo police station stated.
The police report further said delivery of the consignment was cancelled after a letter from Agriculture and Livestock PS Paul Ronoh issued a directive on Wednesday indicating that the fertiliser didn't meet the required standards
"Surprisingly, another consignment of 560 bags of fertiliser also from the same Thika company was delivered to Molo NCPB."
The scene was processed by the Crime Scene Investigation team from Nakuru Region.
The 560 bags of the suspected fake fertiliser are stored in Molo Police station as exhibits and are being guarded by DCI officers Molo.
The street value of the fertiliser is estimated to be Sh1,400,000.
The delivery note document has been seized and kept as an exhibit.
One suspect was placed in custody pending arraignment.
