Kirinyaga: Police in Kirinyaga County seized 100 cartons of contraband cigarettes at a suspect’s homestead in Kiangai village, Kirinyaga West sub county. The consignment, containing 10,000 pieces of cigarettes worth millions of shillings, was intercepted during a security operation.

According to Kenya News Agency, County Commissioner Husain Allasow confirmed the incident and stated that one suspect was arrested during the police raid and is being held at Kerugoya police station. The suspect is to be arraigned in court today, Wednesday, September 3. Allasow attributed the successful operation to close collaboration between the members of the public and security agents, thanking residents for sharing critical information.

During the crackdown, police also recovered banned polythene bags, which are believed to have been destined for sale in the region. Allasow assured Kenyans that the government will not allow anyone to engage in businesses that deny the country revenue. ‘From the labels on the boxes, it is clear the cigarettes were meant for export. This is a scheme to make the country lose revenue, and we will not tolerate it,’ he said.

The administrator further warned individuals engaging in the sale of contraband goods to stop immediately, saying their days are numbered. He assured that security agents will continue with the operation to ensure all culprits are brought to book.