KRA destroys contraband goods worth Sh3.3 million

Garissa, Kenya, Feb 27 -Kenya Revenue Authority has destroyed good worth Sh3.3 milllion at Garissa in a multi agency operation  team led by  Garissa Assistant County Commissioner I, John Marete

Speaking at the Garissa dumpsite, Marete issued a stern warning to businessmen in Garissa county, still involved in smuggling of contraband goods that stern action will be taken against them.

The destruction of the goods impounded in the last four years was okayed by the court.

Among the goods destroyed were 295 bags of brown sugar each weighing 25 kgs, fresh powder milk, heat retention wonderbags, women shoes, Deras, scarfs, interlining material and pain relief tablets all valued at Sh 3.3 million.

Others were cooking oil, bed sheets, pillow cases, beauty products, assorted clothing, soccer balls and children shoes.

“We want to warn the few individuals who are still involved in this kind of illegal business, that we are not going to tolerate this illegal business,” he said.

Marete said the products destroyed were a health risk to the residents, noting that they had not gone through the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBs) quality checks.

“Some of these products are not even fit for human consumption. That’s why we are destroying them to send a clear message to all those dealing with illegal goods that their days are numbered,” he added.

The senior Assistant county commissioner urged residents to be careful when buying goods and ensure that they have the mark of quality from KEBs, indicating that they have been duly checked and certified.

“We want to encourage the multi-agency team comprised of the national government administration officers, security officials and KRA in order to ensure any contraband or unaccustomed goods are impounded and recovered,” he said.

Marete said the government is committed in protecting legitimate business persons who pay taxes from unfair market competition.

Last year, while on a tour of Garissa County, Interior CS Dr. Fred Matiang’i instructed security agents in North Eastern region to deal ruthlessly with contraband trade.

Matiang’i said contraband trade is not only hurting businesses in Kenya, but was also a direct revenue to the Somali based Al-Shabaab terror group.