The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
Related Articles
On Monday night, police arrested 18 individuals at a warehouse in Eastleigh, Nairobi, while they were offloading fabric that had arrived from Mombasa.
Click here to join our WhatsApp Channel
Although the cargo was declared for export, it is suspected to have been diverted to the Eastleigh warehouse, where it was being unloaded.
Detectives from the DCI’s Operations Support Unit revealed they had tracked the shipment from Mombasa for three days after receiving intelligence that the owners intended to reroute it for local use.
Initially, the importers claimed the goods were destined for export to Tanzania and Uganda. However, the truck carrying the cargo was redirected to Nairobi and diverted to a warehouse in Eastleigh, where the unloading began before police intervened.
The 18 individuals have been detained for further investigation. Police indicated that this type of illegal activity has been widespread in the area, resulting in significant revenue losses.
An investigation into the syndicate is ongoing. The warehouse has been sealed off for further inspection by both police and officials from the Kenya Revenue Authority.
In another case, a man wanted for container theft was arrested after months of investigation. Police in Mombasa apprehended the suspect, who is believed to be a key member of a container burglary syndicate.
The suspect is accused of stealing condemned detergent, Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulphate, and selling it to the public. He was arrested in Nairobi while traveling from Mombasa. Authorities have urged the public to report any suspicious fake detergent products.
According to the DCI, the arrest occurred on February 25, 2025, and the stolen goods were recovered at the suspect’s store in Kalu Works, Changamwe.
The DCI has been granted a seven-day detention period at Kilindini Police Station for further investigation, believing the suspect is part of a larger criminal network. The case is deemed of national importance, with initial findings suggesting the syndicate is involved in the sale of counterfeit goods within Mombasa and surrounding areas.
The Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) has implemented stringent security measures, including requiring all port users and visitors to display passes, restricting access to container terminals, and conducting regular security patrols. Additionally, the agency has set up an integrated security system and a multi-agency team, including maritime officers, to combat theft.
