Two men have been arrested after detectives raided a suspected counterfeit juice production facility operating from a homestead in Muthua, Kabete.
The operation followed a tip-off from a vigilant member of the public, prompting detectives from Kabete Police Station to move in and investigate the premises.
Upon arrival, officers found two men, Alex Mwaruta and James Munala Inyangala, allegedly in the process of manufacturing counterfeit juice.
The suspects were arrested at the scene.
A subsequent search of the homestead uncovered what detectives described as an elaborate counterfeiting operation.
Officers recovered approximately 1,400 filled 200ml and 300ml bottles containing suspected counterfeit juice.
The detectives also seized 56 cartons of empty bottles, five packets of bottle tops, two blue drums and three assorted-colour basins believed to have been used in the production process.
Among the other items recovered were office glue, rubber stamps and ink, assorted stickers and an expired certificate authorising the use of the Standardisation Mark for a well-known juice brand.
Detectives further found assorted powdery and colourless substances packaged in polythene bags in 50-gram portions, as well as substances stored in 200ml and 300ml bottles.
The scene was processed by Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) detectives, while all recovered items were secured as exhibits.
The two suspects remain in police custody as investigations into the alleged counterfeiting operation continue.
Authorities have warned that counterfeit beverages manufactured in unregulated and unhygienic conditions can pose serious health risks to consumers.
The illegal trade also undermines legitimate manufacturers and denies the government revenue through taxation.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) said it remains committed to dismantling networks involved in the manufacture and distribution of counterfeit products.
