𝗗𝗖𝗜 𝗗𝗜𝗦𝗠𝗔𝗡𝗧𝗟𝗘𝗦 𝗦𝗨𝗦𝗣𝗘𝗖𝗧𝗘𝗗 𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗧𝗥𝗔𝗕𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗗𝗘𝗡 𝗜𝗡 𝗩𝗜𝗛𝗜𝗚𝗔, 𝗧𝗪𝗢 𝗔𝗥𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗗

What appeared to be an ordinary premises in Vihiga County was unmasked as a suspected contraband hub after detectives swooped in, arresting two suspects and uncovering a haul of suspected illicit goods during an intelligence-led operation.

The operation, conducted by detectives from Luanda Police Station working alongside the DCI Headquarters Operations Unit, targeted premises in Mwichio Township, Emuhaya Sub-County, linked to a suspect popularly known as “Moi”, who is believed to be a key player in an illegal trade network dealing in uncustomized cigarettes and diverted Government-subsidised farm inputs.

During the raid, detectives recovered 36 boxes of uncustomized Supermatch King Size cigarettes containing approximately 6,000 sticks, alongside two boxes of Oris cigarettes marked for export.

Also recovered were 50 bags of 50-kilogram Government of Kenya fertiliser supplied through the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) and manufactured by OCP Company. 

In addition, detectives seized five bales of plastic bags, 19 bales of Nice Flat Bags (5×8) containing 200 pieces each, and 90 packets of assorted-colour Rizzla rolling papers.

Two suspects, Ruth Ongachi and Shem Amianda, were arrested during the operation and remain in police custody pending processing and arraignment.

All recovered exhibits have been escorted to the Vihiga County Headquarters and secured as detectives intensify investigations to establish the source of the goods, trace distribution networks, and identify other individuals linked to the suspected criminal enterprise.

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations remains steadfast in dismantling criminal networks involved in contraband and illicit trade. Members of the public are encouraged to continue sharing information that will help bring economic offenders to justice.

#FichuaKwaDCI. Call 0800 722 203 (Toll-free) or WhatsApp at 0709 570 000 to report anonymously. Usiogope!