KRA, DCI impound counterfeit alcohol brands worth Sh4 million

The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) in collaboration with the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have impounded illicit liquor worth Ksh. Four  million, following a sting operation at Phoenix Wines & Spirits Depot located in Ahero, Mich Wholesalers in Subukia and Savannah Wines & Spirits in Bahati area of Nakuru County.

The multi-agency team acted on intelligence when they carried an operation at the premises and recovered various brands of counterfeit alcohol. The company was found to be manufacturing counterfeits of genuine alcohol brands.

Three suspects were arrested during the operation and they are assisting the police with investigations. The multi-agency team is working around the clock to ensure that illicit trade is eliminated in the country. The team will continue with the operation and all culprits will be prosecuted and their machinery and products seized.

The recovered products include 88 cartons of Steem Vodka, 60 cartons of Supa Vodka, 62 cartons of Bob Vodka, 10 cartons of Sir Antonio Vodka, 51 crates of Samanna Ice Vodka, two (2) cartons of Moonwalker Vodka, three (3) cartons of Kingston Vodka and some Chrome Vodka .

The owner of the depot was arrested and the company vehicles impounded. He was arraigned at Nakuru Law Courts today and was charged for operating without an excise license and manufacturing counterfeits alcohol brands contrary to the provision of section 15 read together with section 39(5) and (6) of the Excise Duty Act. The products were also not affixed with excise stamp contrary to the provisions of section 28 read together with section 40 of the Excise Duty Act.

In a similar operation, the multi-agency team searched several wines and spirits depots and homes manufacturers in Subukia Town and Bahati area. During the operation, the team searched Boss Distillers Ltd in Bahati alongside Mich Wholesalers and Savannah wines and spirits in Subukia Town.

The team confiscated various brands of counterfeit liquor that included 29 cartons, 19 pieces of Economy Vodka, 61 crates, 12 pieces of Mara Ice Vodka, 713 cartons, 22 pieces of Budget Gin, Steem Vodka Aquila Vodka and Simba Vodka. Most of the brands are unlicensed and the public are advised not to buy, sell or consume the products. KRA caution both wholesalers, stockiest and retailers to avoid unlicensed brands of spirits such as Economy Vodka, Aquila Vodka, Steem Vodka, Simba Vodka, Leader and Boss Vodka.