An intelligence-led operation conducted by the Operations Support Unit (OSU) detectives to nab cartels selling contraband milk powder has led to the seizure of over 32.5 tonnes at a godown located along the Eastern Bypass, Nairobi.
In the sting operation on Thursday, January 4, an unsuspecting known broker in Eastleigh directed an undercover detective to Kamakis area along Eastern Bypass, after he (officer) posed as a potential buyer.
On arrival, a truck loaded with an agreed 150 bags each weighing 25 kilograms arrived.
According to police, the agreed price was Sh16,500 per bag, translating to Sh2,475,000 in the transaction.
The truck was under the escort of the consignment owner who was driving a Toyota Prado and who is believed to be the main supplier to business people within Nairobi.
Police said other detectives who were stealthily following pounced on the two suspects but the youthful truck driver was able to escape.
After interrogation, OSU team managed to trace the godown of the main suspect which is located at an Industrial Park within Ruai area off Eastern Bypass.
Gaining access in the presence of the suspect, they recovered another 1150 bags each weighing 25 kg of milk powder (5 brands) and 289 bags each weighing 25 kg of Maize corn starch.
Also inside the godown was a truck with 17 empty drums suspected to be used to transport ethanol.
The suspects were placed in police custody as further investigations continue.
