Police have arrested one suspect after uncovering a counterfeit honey manufacturing operation that has been targeting Nairobi residents in Umoja 2, Buruburu Estate.
The sting operation, conducted on Tuesday, October 7, was led by officers from the Nairobi Region. The suspect was found operating an unlawful setup that was producing and packaging fake honey for sale in the city.
The discovery followed intelligence gathered over several weeks on the circulation of substandard honey products in Nairobi’s retail markets.
During the raid, officers seized several items believed to have been used in the production process, including chemical substances, heating equipment, a gas cylinder, and dozens of bottles containing the counterfeit product.
Samples of the fake honey have since been submitted for laboratory testing as the suspect is being processed to be presented in court.
Police stated that the suspect was taken to Ruai Police Station as investigations continue.
''During the raid, officers arrested one suspect and recovered several items believed to have been used in the manufacture of the fake honey. The recovered exhibits included finished counterfeit honey, chemical substances used in the production process, a heating coil, and a gas cylinder,'' the police report read in part.
''Operations targeting counterfeit food products and other illicit goods are continuing as part of ongoing efforts to safeguard public health and consumer safety.''
He is expected to face charges related to food adulteration, unlawful manufacturing, and endangering public health once arraigned in court.
Meanwhile, the National Police Service has revealed that it will embark on crackdowns on counterfeit food and beverages across the country following rising complaints from consumers.
Cases of cheap and fake honey products have been on the rise, with most consumers unknowingly buying them from shelves despite the associated risks.
Last month, seven individuals were arrested in connection with the processing of counterfeit cooking oil at Shimanzi in Mombasa County. The Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA) said it had seized documents and property worth more than Ksh100 million during the raid.
The seizure was part of an ongoing, larger crackdown by the authority to combat the production and distribution of counterfeit goods that pose a risk to public health and the economy.
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