SUSPECTS BEHIND ILLICIT ALCOHOL SYNDICATE NABBED IN ELDORET
Detectives have dismantled an illicit alcohol manufacturing and distribution syndicate following an intelligence-led operation in Oletepesi on the outskirts of Eldoret Town, arresting the masterminds behind the illegal enterprise.
The operation, conducted by detectives from the DCI Headquarters Operations Action Team (OAT) in collaboration with detectives from DCI Uasin Gishu, led to the arrest of Francis Mutuma Gikunda, the mastermind behind a sophisticated illicit alcohol production and packaging network supplying Eldoret and neighbouring counties.
The suspect, who was intercepted while driving a white Toyota Voxy, registration number KCY 636T, led detectives to an unfinished house in Oletepesi that had been converted into an illicit alcohol production and packaging site.
A search of the premises uncovered assorted cartons of counterfeit alcoholic beverages bearing labels for popular products, along with packaging materials bearing labels such as Medal Vodka, Smart Vodka, Best Gin, and Silver Star. Detectives also recovered counterfeit Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) excise stamps believed to have been used to pass off the illicit products as genuine.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspect allegedly sources ethanol through the Busia border before processing, packaging and distributing the illicit brews to an established market within Eldoret and neighbouring counties.
Also arrested at the scene were two accomplices, Frank Kamau Mwangi and Moses Mungai Kipishi, who are also involved in the production and packaging process.
Detectives recovered 20 cartons of assorted illicit alcoholic beverages, 10 cartons already packed and ready for distribution, several empty 60-litre jerricans believed to have been used in the operation, and a silver Toyota Wish, registration number KDQ 422V, loaded with assorted illicit alcoholic drinks.
The three suspects remain in police custody undergoing processing pending arraignment, as detectives pursue further leads to apprehend other members of the syndicate who remain at large.
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