The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has busted an alleged counterfeit maize flour repackaging operation in Kasarani, raising concerns over the quality and safety of maize flour in Kenyan markets amid an anticipated shortage.

🇰🇪 Breaking It Down

In a statement on Tuesday, September 15, DCI stated its detectives raided a godown in the area where they discovered a large-scale operation involving repackaging and distribution of maize flour using labels resembling those of popular brands.

Following the raid, the detectives arrested seven suspects and took them into custody as investigations into the alleged syndicate continued.

"Acting on credible intelligence, detectives stormed the premises and unearthed a full-blown repackaging operation, walking away with thousands of counterfeit packets and seven suspects in tow," DCI stated.

📌 What You Need to Know

According to DCI, they recovered 3,682 packets of a popular corn maize flour brand valued at approximately Ksh312,120.

Hundreds of additional packets bearing the names of three other well-known flour brands were also recovered, with the total value of the seized products running into hundreds of thousands of shillings.

"Detectives recovered 3,682 packets of a popular corn maize flour brand, valued at approximately Kshs 312,120, alongside hundreds of packets of three other well-known flour brands, with the combined value of the counterfeit stash running into hundreds of thousands of shillings," it added.

At the same time, a lorry being loaded with the products was also seized, as well as industrial processing and packaging equipment, weighing machines, bag-sealing tools, and date and batch marking stamps, which the DCI said pointed to an organised repackaging operation.

The raid also uncovered discarded one-kilogram packaging that closely resembled that of one of the affected maize flour brands. However, DCI said the alleged company does not produce one kilogram of maize flour, pointing out that the flour might be counterfeit.

"While the packaging bore a striking resemblance to his company's branding, it may not have been genuinely manufactured by the company, since the brand does not produce one-kilogram packets, an admission that only deepens suspicion of a deliberate scheme to piggyback on a trusted name," the DCI said.

📰 Source: Kenyans.co.ke