NAIROBI, Kenya, Oct 3 – Detectives have recovered additional tobacco products and cash in a widening crackdown on suspected counterfeit and uncustomed cigarettes in Githunguri, Kiambu County.

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) said two sacks of loose dried tobacco and cash in notes and coins were recovered from a premises under investigation, following an earlier seizure of assorted cigarettes and suspected counterfeit Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) excise stamps.

The agency said the cash was found stashed in polythene bags and is believed to be proceeds from the sale of cigarettes.

“Following the earlier seizure of assorted cigarettes and suspected counterfeit KRA excise stamps, detectives have further recovered two sacks of loose dried tobacco and cash in notes and coins stashed in polythene bags, believed to be proceeds from cigarette sales.”

Preliminary investigations indicate that the premises were allegedly being used to distribute and sell uncustomed and smuggled cigarettes, as well as package and brand tobacco products illegally using established trademarks.

“Preliminary investigation indicates that the premises are allegedly being used not only to distribute and sell uncustomed and smuggled cigarettes, but also to package and brand tobacco products illegally using established trademarks.”

The DCI did not disclose the quantity or estimated value of the cigarettes, tobacco or cash recovered in the latest operation, nor did it name any individuals who may be linked to the premises.

The investigation comes amid continued enforcement efforts against illicit trade in tobacco products, which can deny the government excise tax revenue while exposing legitimate manufacturers and distributors to unfair competition.

Under Kenya’s excise regime, cigarettes and other tobacco products are subject to excise duty, with manufacturers and importers required to comply with tax and product-marking requirements.

The use of counterfeit excise stamps can also undermine the tax authority’s ability to track products entering the market legally.

The DCI said investigations are ongoing as detectives seek to establish the source of the tobacco products, the extent of the suspected distribution network and the individuals behind the operation.

Authorities have increasingly targeted illicit tobacco supply chains as part of wider efforts to curb tax evasion, counterfeiting and smuggling in the domestic market.