Detectives from Kabete Police Station have arrested two men suspected of running a counterfeit juice production operation from a house in Muthua, Kabete.
The suspects, identified as Alex Mwaruta and James Munala Inyangala, were arrested while allegedly producing the suspected counterfeit juice following a tip-off from a member of the public. During the raid, detectives seized about 1,400 bottles containing suspected counterfeit juice. The bottles were in 200ml and 300ml sizes and were allegedly ready for distribution.
The officers also recovered 56 cartons filled with empty bottles, five packets of bottle tops, two blue drums and three basins of different colours. The equipment and packaging materials are believed to have been part of the operation.
Among the other items recovered were office glue, rubber stamps and ink, as well as assorted stickers. Detectives also found an expired certificate authorising the use of the Standardization Mark for a well-known juice brand.
Police further recovered assorted powdery and colourless substances. The substances had been packed in polythene bags in portions of 50 grams, as well as in 200ml and 300ml bottles.
The discovery of the certificate and branded stickers has raised questions over the alleged use of materials associated with an established juice brand in the suspected counterfeit operation. However, police have not indicated whether the brand owner was directly involved or how the materials came into the suspects’ possession.
All the recovered items were processed and secured as exhibits by detectives from the Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) team. The evidence is expected to support investigations into the suspected production and packaging of counterfeit juice.
The risk of counterfeit products entering the market, which can expose consumers to products whose contents and safety standards may not be known.
Mwaruta and Inyangala remain in police custody as detectives continue with investigations into the alleged operation. Police are expected to establish the source of the materials, the intended market for the suspected counterfeit juice and whether other people were involved in the operation.
The recovered bottles, packaging materials, substances and other items will form part of the evidence as the investigation proceeds.