Police in Nairobi have seized 1,511 bags of what they termed harmful powdered milk with an estimated worth of Ksh75 million.
In a statement, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations(DCI) say the contaminated milk powder was impounded after an intelligence report leading to a raid at a go-down located in Umoja III’s Mowlem in Nairobi.
“In the well-coordinated operation conducted by sleuths from the Economic & Commercial Crimes Unit and KRA officers, 1,511 bags of the powdered milk that had previously been declared unfit for human consumption at the Port of Mombasa, was recovered,” part of the statement read.
After the raid, officers recovered at least 25 kg bags which had the labels detailing their expiry dates removed.
“The detectives who were acting on intelligence moved with speed and raided the premises where the 25-Kg bags which had the labels detailing their expiry dates removed and were ready for repackaging, were found,” the statement added.
Detectives question how the tainted dairy products made it into the market as they had been condemned and were due for destruction.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the consignment was sneaked from a Mombasa-based godown, before being hauled to Nairobi secretly for repackaging.
“The illegal shipment in which the Government lost over Ksh32 million in unpaid taxes was immediately declared unfit for human consumption, by officials from the Kenya Bureau of Standards,” DCI says.
Sleuths have since launched a manhunt for the suspects.
“Detectives are currently on a manhunt for the mastermind behind the high-level scheme which would have had devastating consequences on the health of Kenyans, had the milk powder found its way to the local market. We thank the member of the public who provided information regarding the consignment and call upon the larger public to emulate this example, for our collective safety and security.”
