Five people have been arrested after a multi-agency crackdown uncovered suspected illegal and potentially dangerous products in Kipsaina and Maili Saba areas of Trans Nzoia East Subcounty.
The operation exposed businesses suspected of dealing in illegal drugs, counterfeit goods and products packaged in ways that authorities said could endanger consumers.
Trans Nzoia County Commissioner Alason Hussein said the arrests were part of an intensified operation involving security agencies and regulatory bodies.
“We have arrived here today as a multi-agency team. A multi-agency team is a large team that includes all the agencies when we come to crack down on illegal drugs and counterfeit goods,” Hussein said.
The operation brought together the Trans Nzoia County security team, Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS), Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), Anti-Counterfeit Authority and county government officials.
Hussein said authorities had identified a list of individuals suspected of engaging in illegal trade and would continue pursuing them in different parts of the county.
“When we arrive at each point in Trans Nzoia County, we have a list of people we suspect,” he said.
Officers also inspected packaging materials and products at the targeted premises, with Hussein warning that some of the packaging could pose a safety risk to consumers.
“This bottle has been put in a plastic bag, and that’s why it’s dangerous for the people,” he said.
The commissioner also issued a warning to smokers, urging them to establish the source of cigarettes before consuming them.
“Please know what you’re smoking, because these bring a lot of harm, and even people die when they smoke these cigarettes,” Hussein said.
Hussein urged residents to help authorities identify businesses involved in illegal trade by providing information through the toll-free 1192 hotline.
“If you have any information about people who are doing illegal business like this, you can contact us, call 1192. That number you call for free,” he said.
He warned that the crackdown would not end with the operation in Kipsaina and Maili Saba, saying the multi-agency team would move to other areas in pursuit of suspected offenders.
He appealed to residents to share information with authorities and support efforts to eliminate illegal businesses from the county.
“Please continue to spread the word, so that we can help each other and help clean up our Trans Nzoia County,” he said.
