Detectives in Githunguri, Kiambu County, have disrupted a suspected illicit cigarette distribution operation following the recovery of assorted cigarette products, suspected counterfeit Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) excise stamps and loose tobacco.
The operation followed intelligence gathered on the activities of businessman Patrick Muiruri Mwangi, who is suspected of dealing in uncustomed and smuggled tobacco products.
Investigators reportedly monitored two premises associated with the suspect before conducting searches. During the operation, they recovered several boxes and loose packets of cigarettes, as well as bundles of excise duty stamps suspected to be counterfeit.
As investigations continued, detectives working alongside KRA officers made further recoveries, including two sacks containing loose, dried tobacco. Assorted notes and coins concealed in polythene bags were also recovered and are suspected to be proceeds from the sale of illicit cigarette products.
Preliminary findings have raised suspicion that the premises may have been used not only to distribute and sell uncustomed or smuggled cigarettes, but also to illegally package and brand tobacco products using trademarks belonging to established companies.
Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) officers processed the premises, while KRA’s Investigations and Enforcement team secured and examined the recovered items. The assessment is expected to establish the authenticity of the suspected counterfeit excise stamps and help determine the scale of the alleged operation.
Mwangi was not found during the operation and remains at large as detectives continue efforts to trace and apprehend him. The operation is part of ongoing efforts by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), in collaboration with KRA and other government agencies, to combat the distribution of illicit and counterfeit products, protect legitimate traders and curb revenue losses to the government.
Investigations remain ongoing.
