By Mercy Buyanzi -Trans-Nzoia County
Five people have been arrested in Kipsaina and Maili Saba areas of Trans Nzoia East Sub-county as a County Multi-Agency team intensified a crackdown on illegal drugs, counterfeit goods and other illicit businesses.
Trans Nzoia County Commissioner Alason Hussein said the operation brought together the county security team, Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS), Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), Anti-Counterfeit Authority and County Government officials.
“We have arrived here today as a multi-agency team. A multi-agency team is a large team that includes all the agencies when we come to crack down on illegal drugs and counterfeit goods,” Hussein said.
He said authorities had identified several people suspected of engaging in illegal activities and would continue conducting operations in different parts of the county.
“When we arrive at each point in Trans Nzoia County, we have a list of people we suspect,” he said.
During the operation in Kipsaina and Maili Saba, officers inspected products and packaging materials suspected to have been used in illegal trade.
Hussein warned traders against using unsafe packaging, saying some of the products inspected during the operation posed a danger to consumers.
“This bottle has been put in a plastic bag, and that’s why it’s dangerous for the people,” he said.
The commissioner also cautioned residents against consuming illicit or unregulated cigarettes, warning that some of the products could cause serious harm and deaths.
“Please know what you’re smoking, because these bring a lot of harm, and even people die when they smoke these cigarettes,” Hussein said.
He urged members of the public to report people involved in illegal businesses through the toll-free 1192 hotline.
“If you have any information about people who are doing illegal business like this, you can contact us, call 1192. That number you call for free,” he said.
Hussein said the multi-agency operation would continue across Trans Nzoia as authorities seek to eliminate illicit businesses and protect consumers from dangerous and counterfeit products.
He appealed to residents to cooperate with law enforcement agencies by sharing information on illegal activities.
“Please continue to spread the word, so that we can help each other and help clean up our Trans Nzoia County,” Hussein said.
