Keiyo North: Security personnel in Keiyo North Sub County have confiscated 654 packets of cigarettes and 150 cartons of 2nd generation liquor, all believed to be contraband goods, from a bar in Iten town. Keiyo North Deputy County Commissioner (DCC) Julius Maiyo led a multi-sectoral government team, which included KRA, KEBS, and public health officers, in the operation.
According to Kenya News Agency, initial reports have deemed the liquor unfit for human consumption. DCC Maiyo noted that the packaging of the seized goods was suspicious, with some cartons lacking labels or the standardization mark from KEBS. Even in cases where labels were present, the contents did not match the descriptions.
The cigar labels indicated that they were intended for export. Additionally, five loto machines were discovered and confiscated during the raid. Authorities are currently searching for the proprietor of the ‘Hustler Bar’, who is on the run and is suspected of manufacturing the contraband goods.
All confiscated items have been handed over to KRA for further analysis before any legal proceedings commence. Maiyo commended the public for alerting security personnel, emphasizing the danger posed by the sale of illicit goods to residents. He noted that the suspiciously low pricing of the second-generation liquor, sold at Sh.150 for a 250ml bottle compared to Sh.250 elsewhere, triggered public suspicion.