Three arrested in Nakuru alcohol counterfeiting racket

The joint task force comprising officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), Nakuru County Investigations Office, and the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) Enforcement Unit descended on a nondescript godown along Print Press Road, Nakuru's industrial area. 

They uncovered a counterfeit alcohol production line.

Among the contraband seized were 60 sacks filled with bottle caps, enough to supply thousands of bottles of fake spirits, two and a half drums of ethanol, a key ingredient in manufacturing illicit liquor, and a plastic molding machine. 

Officers also discovered labels and stickers for popular alcoholic brands meticulously designed to deceive unsuspecting consumers into thinking they were buying genuine products.

The suspects, identified as Mary Mugure, Peter Macharia, and Vincent Kibagendi, were apprehended at the scene. 

According to insiders, this trio had been running the illicit operation undetected for months, saturating the market with dangerous fake spirits. 

The seized items were swiftly transported to the KRA warehouse under tight security, while the suspects remain in custody, awaiting arraignment in court. 

If convicted, they could face severe penalties under Kenya’s anti-counterfeiting laws.

As the investigation continues, authorities are calling on the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities related to counterfeit products.