DCI Arrests Two Over Suspected Counterfeit Juice Operation in Kabete

Two men have been arrested in Kabete after detectives raided a residential property allegedly being used to manufacture and package counterfeit juice.

The arrests followed a tip-off from a member of the public, prompting officers from Kabete Police Station, working under the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), to visit a homestead in the Muthua area. According to the DCI, the property was being used to produce and package counterfeit juice for distribution. The two suspects were arrested at the premises while allegedly engaged in the manufacturing process.

A search of the compound led to the recovery of about 1,400 bottles containing suspected juice. The bottles were packaged in 200ml and 300ml containers. Detectives also found dozens of cartons, drums, basins and other packaging materials.

Among the items seized were rubber stamps, stickers, ink and office glue, which investigators believe may have been used to reproduce product labels and packaging. Bags of sugar and jerricans of oil were also recovered during the raid.

The Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA) took possession of the recovered materials for further examination. The operation comes amid increased enforcement against counterfeit goods in Kenya. The authorities have raised concerns about counterfeit products entering the consumer market, including food and beverages.

In June, the ACA warned traders suspected of dealing in counterfeit goods that such products could be seized under the Anti-Counterfeit Act, 2008. The agency said the measures were intended to disrupt the supply of counterfeit products before they reached consumers.

The Kabete operation follows other investigations involving suspected counterfeit food products. In Nairobi's Kasarani area, authorities recently uncovered an alleged operation in which maize flour was reportedly repackaged and labelled to resemble established brands.

The government has also stepped up action against other forms of illegal manufacturing. This week, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki directed renewed efforts to tackle illegal alcohol production and distribution networks.

The two suspects are expected to face further investigations as authorities examine the materials recovered from the Kabete property.