Sh5.8 million worth of illegal liquor seized in Thika

Thika, Friday, April 14, 2023

K.N.A  By Muoki Charles

Detectives from Economic and Commercial Crimes Unit and Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) officials have seized Sh5.8 million worth of liquor from an illegal distillery at a go-down in BAT area, Thika town.

The drinks, which bore the names of some well-known brands were being distilled on what appeared to be an unprofessional, improvised distillery.

Among the brews seized are 160 cartons of Budget brew, 40 cartons of Euro brand Gin, 49 cartons of Queen Brew, 90 cartons of Sambuka Vodka, another six of Starlight brew and 500 litres drums of ethanol.

Hundreds of fake KRA stamps were also confiscated alongside several sacks of empty bottles, bottle seals and cartons.

According to DCI officers who spoke to the press anonymously, the owner of the premise managed to evade arrest and is being sought.

They said three workers including a woman who were found at the premises during yesterday evening’s raid are helping the police to track the suspect.

They added that the premise might have been distilling and packaging liquor brands of other companies and packaging them as their own.

KRA officials said the packed liquor would have led to a Sh2.6 million loss in tax.

The impounded liquor was taken to custom warehouses where it is being held. The premise was also closed indefinitely.

This comes a day after detectives from Nairobi also seized an illegal cigarette consignment worth over Sh 32 million in Kahawa West estate, Roysambu Constituency, Nairobi County.

The consignment would have led to Sh 18 million worth of tax loss.

Courtesy K.N.A