Sh10 Million Worth of Counterfeit Booze Seized in Nairobi

Authorities have seized counterfeit booze worth Sh10 million at the Jerusalem Shopping Centre in Eastlands Nairobi.

The alcohol, packed in 300 cardboard boxes, was impounded by the Nairobi County Alcoholic Drinks Control and Licensing Board officers on Tuesday.

Confirming the bust, Board member Mr Stephen Kambi said that the owner of the cargo, Mr Samuel Njoroge, was also arrested while offloading the alcohol at the shopping centre.

The consignment, consisting of brands such as Blue Carpet Gin, First Choice Whisky and Lord Blend Malt Whisky, was booked at Jogoo Police Station.

“We got a tip-off from members of the public today (Tuesday) concerning a warehouse that had some funny kind of alcohol. We carried out a raid and found 300 boxes of illegal liquor worth Sh10 million,” said Mr Kambi.

Kambi added that the owner was operating the warehouse without required importation and distribution licenses.

“We are committed as the liquour board to ensure that Nairobi is free from harmful and illicit liquor. We want to urge Nairobi residents and the public in general to be giving us tip-offs and we will act with speed,” he said.

The suspect, however, denied claims by Mr Kambi that he had bought the alcohol at a Kenya Revenue Authority auction.

On his part, Embakasi West sub-County liquor board chair Mr Paul Ayiro confirmed that Mr Njoroge neither had an importation license nor a letter to operate such a depot.