Two men have been arrested after detectives allegedly uncovered a counterfeit juice processing operation inside a home in Muthua, Kabete. The raid followed a tip from a member of the public and led to the seizure of more than 1,400 bottles of suspected fake juice alongside packaging materials, labels and other items believed to have been used in the operation.
Highlights
- Two suspects were arrested in Muthua, Kabete.
- Police seized about 1,400 filled bottles of suspected counterfeit juice.
- More than 50 cartons of empty bottles were recovered.
- Detectives also found labels, bottle tops, stamps and other packaging materials.
- The suspects remain in police custody as investigations continue.
Main Story
Police Raid Suspected Counterfeit Juice Operation
Detectives from Kabete Police Station have arrested two men following a raid on a suspected counterfeit juice processing operation in Muthua.
The suspects, identified as Alex Mwaruta and James Munala Inyangala, were reportedly found at the premises while allegedly preparing and packaging the suspected counterfeit product.
The operation was launched after detectives received information from a member of the public.
Hundreds of Bottles Seized
During the search, officers recovered approximately 1,400 filled bottles in 200ml and 300ml sizes.
Detectives also seized 56 cartons containing empty bottles, five packets of bottle tops, two blue drums and three basins in different colours.
The recovered items point to a setup equipped for mixing, packaging and preparing the suspected product for distribution.
Fake Branding Materials Recovered
Among the items recovered were office glue, rubber stamps, ink and assorted stickers.
Police also found an expired certificate that purportedly authorised the use of the Standardisation Mark for a well-known juice brand.
Detectives further recovered various powdery and colourless substances. Some had reportedly been packed in polythene bags in 50-gram portions, while others were stored in 200ml and 300ml bottles.
The substances will form part of the ongoing investigation as authorities establish what they contained and how they were being used.
Exhibits Secured
The recovered materials were processed and secured as exhibits by officers from the Crime Scene Investigation team.
The evidence is expected to assist investigators as they piece together how the alleged operation was being run and whether the suspects were supplying the products beyond the premises.
Mwaruta and Inyangala remain in police custody as investigations continue.
The case also serves as a reminder of the risks posed by counterfeit food and beverage products, particularly when consumers cannot easily establish where or how they were manufactured.
For consumers, the raid is a reminder that what appears on a shop shelf may not always be what the label promises.
