Two Arrested as Police Uncover Counterfeit Juice Factory in Kabete

Police have arrested two men after detectives uncovered a suspected counterfeit juice operation at a homestead in Muthua, Kabete.

Detectives seized about 1,400 filled bottles, along with equipment and materials believed to have been used in the production process.

The suspects were arrested after detectives from Kabete Police Station acted on a tip from a member of the public and found the two men at the premises.

Police Find 1,400 Bottles Inside Kabete Homestead

A search of the homestead revealed what detectives described as a fully-fledged counterfeiting setup, with both filled and empty bottles found on the premises.

About 1,400 bottles, measuring 200ml and 300ml, had already been filled with suspected counterfeit juice, while another 56 cartons contained empty bottles.

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Detectives also recovered five packets of bottle tops, two blue drums and three basins in different colours.

Among the other items found were office glue, rubber stamps, ink and assorted stickers, as well as an expired certificate authorising the use of the Standardisation Mark for a well-known juice brand.

Detectives also recovered powdery, colourless substances packed in polythene bags in 50-gram portions, along with similar substances stored in 200ml and 300ml bottles.

Crime Scene Investigation officers later processed the premises before securing the recovered items as exhibits.

How Consumers Can Check Juice Excise Stamps

The discovery comes amid ongoing efforts to keep counterfeit and illicit products out of the market. Consumers can also verify excise stamps on products such as juice.

The Kenya Revenue Authority’s Soma Label application allows consumers to scan an excise stamp and verify whether it is authentic.

The application is linked to KRA’s Excisable Goods Management System, which tracks excisable products.

Also Read: Man Arrested Over Alleged Forgery of Court Documents

A successful verification provides product information from KRA’s system, while a failed verification can be reported through the application.

Juices, bottled water, soda and other excisable products are among those covered by the system.

Suspects remain in custody as investigations continue into the suspected operation and how its products may have entered the market.

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counterfeit juice bottles seized by police during a raid at a homestead in Muthua, Kabete. PHOTO/ DCI