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The Directorate of Criminal Investigation (DCI) launched a manhunt for a businessman running an illegal liquor manufacturing plant in Athi River after detectives raided the premises.
In a statement dated Tuesday, February 22, DCI indicated that 16 workers were arrested during the raid as the businessman went missing during the multi-agency operation.
The police noted that the plant was located at a go-down in the town.
During the operation, various items including fake stamps and alcohol brewing items were recovered by the multi-agency team.
A photo of the factory raided by police in Athi River on February 22, 2022.
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Further, DCI indicated that the company was being operated illegally and was dealing with counterfeit alcohol.
The police noted that the trend of illegal alcohol manufacturing had become a menace as a number of unscrupulous business individuals were evading to pay taxes.
“Hundreds of cartons containing thousands of bottles of vodka destined for the local market were recovered, following the ongoing operation on high-level tax evasion schemes by traders dealing in alcoholic and other related products.
“Also recovered were over 4,500 litres of ethanol stored in drums, alcohol storage tanks, empty bottles and stickers, among other items related to the manufacturing of the alcoholic drink that is popular amongst the youths,” the DCI statement read in part.
Police also called on the public to exercise caution regarding the alcohol products they consumed.
Business individuals using the new tax evasion tactics were also cautioned against the trend as DCI intensified its operations.
DCI advised Kenyans to use the hotline: 0800 722 203 to report such incidents.
Notably, the arrest of the 16 came days after another raid on a company based in Kasarani on February 8.
“The cops recovered an assortment of different types of spirits, 250-litre drums of ethanol, assorted bottle lids and counterfeit customs stamps,” DCI stated then.
Items recovered by the DCI during a raid in Kiambu county on Friday, January 6, 2023
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