Two suspects arrested as detectives nab 32.5 tonnes of contraband milk powder on Eastern Bypass

Police in Nairobi have arrested two suspects believed to be part of a cartel selling contraband milk powder.

According to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), 32.5 tonnes of suspected contraband milk powder were seized in the operation conducted by the Operations Support Unit (OSU) detectives at a godown located along the Eastern Bypass.

The suspects were identified as Joseph Waweru who is the main suspect and Ali Noor who is reported to be a broker.

"In the sting operation, an unsuspecting known broker in Eastleigh by the name Ali Noor directed an undercover hawkshaw to Kamakis area along Eastern Bypass, after he (officer) posed as a potential buyer." 

"On arrival, a KBP 480A Mitsubishi truck loaded with an agreed 150 bags each weighing 25Kg arrived. The agreed price was  Sh16,500 per bag, translating to Sh2,475,000 in the transaction," said the DCI.

The truck was reportedly under the escort of the consignment owner Joseph Waweru who was driving a Toyota Prado Reg. No. KDN 573V and is believed to be the main supplier to business people within Nairobi, according to the DCI.

"Other detectives who were stealthily following pounced on the two suspects (Joseph Waweru and Ali Noor) but the youthful truck driver beetled off like a terrified rat," added the DCI.

Upon interrogation, OSU team managed to trace the godown of the main suspect (Joseph Waweru) which is located at Twin Industrial Park Godowns within Ruai area off Eastern Bypass.

"Gaining access in the presence of the suspect, they recovered another 1150 bags each weighing 25Kg of milk powder (5brands) and 289 bags each weighing 25Kg of Maize corn starch. Also inside the godown was a truck Reg No. KDG 087Z with 17 empty drums suspected to be used to transport Ethanol," added the DCI.

The brands of the seized milk powder include: 181 bags branded Fresh Dairy product of Brookside Uganda, 421 bags branded Gardo product of New Zealand, 485 bags of Non Dairy Creamer product of China, 56 bags branded SAMA product of New Zealand, 6 bags branded Lato product of Uganda & 289 bags of maize corn starch product of India.

The suspects are in police custody pending arraignment.