KRA swings in action intercepts unlicensed liquor in Kenol

The Mountain Journal

editor@themountainjournal.co.ke

The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) seized illicit alcoholic beverages valued in excess of Sh 2.4 million after the investigators raided a factory in Kenol town, Murang’a.

In an operation spearheaded by the KRA enforcement Unit unearthed products that  lacked KRA stamps, while the manufacturing plant was not licensed,  among other anomalies detected. 

Led by KRA Enforcement officer Mr Michael Gichuki, and Murang’a South Sub county police commander Charity Karimi, the team raided the facility following  a public tip-off over alleged illegal activities at Wellcreek Restaurant.

During the raid KRA officers uncovered a concealed manufacturing plant producing unlicensed alcoholic drinks in violation of the Excise Duty Act, where they confiscated  6,134 litres of alcohol, and including 1,240 litres of finished products.

Gichuki said in the raid, among the seized items were a range of branded and unbranded cocktails such as Ukoo, Mojito Cocktail, Piña Colada, Wicked Tea, Martini Cocktail, Mixed Flavor Cocktail and Long Island Cocktail.

“Also recovered included  over 2,000 litres of unpackaged compounded liquor and traditional alcoholic drinks like Muratina, which had been packaged in 500ml metallic cans and 750ml glass bottles,” said Gichuki.

The seized products and raw materials were transferred to KRA’s warehouse for further processing and investigations, while the premise was secured to prevent further illegal activity.

He added that the unlicensed alcohol has led the government to lose Sh 600,000 excise tax revenue had it reached the market. 

“The authority has reaffirmed its commitment to intensifying enforcement operations to curb illicit trade and protect public health,” he added.

Upon inspection, the facility was found to be fully equipped with an unlicensed alcoholic production plant that had been manufacturing and packaging alcoholic drinks without an excise license issued by KRA. 

 The sub county police commander said the owner of the premise was booked and released on police bond.

“ The security agents are on high alert to deal with the illicit liquor,  while the bar owners should only stock products that are certified by Kenya Bureau of Standards,” said Ms Karimi.