Detectives confiscate over 32.5 tonnes of contraband milk powder

Nairobi, 

Thursday, 4 January, 2024 

McCreadie Andias 

Detectives from the Operations Support Unit have conducted an intelligence-led operation confiscating over 32.5 tonnes of contraband milk powder at a godown located along the Eastern Bypass on Thursday . 

The operation led to the arrest of suspected cartels linked to the contraband business. 

According to the DCI, an unsuspecting known broker in Eastleigh by the name Ali Noor directed an undercover agent to Kamakis area along Eastern Bypass, after the agent posed as a potential buyer. 

On arrival, a truck loaded with 150 bags each weighing 25Kg arrived with an agreed price was Sh16,500 per bag, translating to Sh2,475,000 in the transaction. 

Other detectives who were stealthily following pounced on the two suspects (Joseph Waweru and Ali Noor) forcing the truck driver to drive off. 

Detectives conducted further investigations and tracked down the location of the main suspect at Twin Industrial Park Godowns within Ruai area off Eastern Bypass.

The main suspect Waweru was finally arrested with another 1150 bags recovered each weighing 25Kg of milk powder (5brands) and 289 bags each weighing 25Kg of Maize corn starch.

The detectives also recovered 17 empty drums suspended to be used to transport ethanol.

The brands of the 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 and 289 bags of Maize corn starch product of India.

The suspects have been placed in custody pending further investigations and arraignment.