A major police operation in Kirinyaga County has led to the seizure of a large consignment of contraband goods and the arrest of one suspect.
The multi-agency security team carried out a raid at a shop in Kienja Village, Kiangai Sublocation, Kirinyaga West, following a tip-off from vigilant members of the public. During the search, officers recovered ninety-four cartons of Supermatch cigarettes, eighty-nine thousand bundles of polythene bags, four opened cartons of Supermatch cigarettes, and sixty-four packets of Oris cigarettes. The seized goods have been secured as exhibits pending further investigation.
The raid was coordinated by senior county security officials, who confirmed that the targeted premises were under surveillance for suspected involvement in illegal trade. One suspect was arrested during the operation and is currently in custody awaiting arraignment in court.
Authorities praised the vital role of public cooperation in supporting law enforcement efforts. They emphasized that the crackdown on contraband and other forms of illicit trade will continue in order to safeguard consumers and protect legitimate businesses from unfair competition.
The operation marks another success in the ongoing campaign against illegal networks in the region. Security officials reiterated their commitment to conducting more operations across the country to dismantle syndicates profiting from contraband and counterfeit goods.
This latest seizure comes just days after detectives in Nairobi arrested two individuals in connection with counterfeit currency. Acting on intelligence, security officers apprehended two suspects in the Upper Hill area and recovered numerous bundles of fake $100 notes concealed in a handbag. The suspects remain in custody as investigations proceed.
The fight against contraband goods and counterfeit items has intensified in recent months as authorities seek to curb economic losses, protect public health, and ensure compliance with trade regulations. Officials have urged members of the public to remain vigilant and continue providing information that could help in identifying and dismantling illegal operations.
The Kirinyaga bust serves as a reminder of the scale of the illicit trade problem, which not only undermines revenue collection but also poses risks to consumer safety. Security agencies have pledged to step up enforcement measures and bring perpetrators to justice.
