Detectives in Bungoma have uncovered a suspected illegal sugar repackaging operation following a crackdown on uncustomed goods at Bukembe Shopping Centre in Bungoma South Sub-County.
The operation was carried out by detectives from the Operations Support Unit and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations Bungoma South after receiving intelligence about suspected illegal activities at a premises linked to a man identified as Paul Mwangi.
During the search, detectives recovered 76 bags of 50kg West Valley Sugar. They also found nine bags of sugar that had already been repackaged in sacks carrying Chinese branding.
The discovery raised concerns that the sugar was being moved from its original packaging and placed in different bags before being sold to consumers.
The detectives further recovered 10 empty 50kg bags bearing the Mayuge Sugar brand, a Ugandan sugar brand. Investigators suspect the different packaging materials could have been used to give the sugar different identities as part of the suspected operation.
The search was also extended to a white Nissan Vanette, registration number KDG 347E, which was linked to Mwangi. Detectives found an additional 26 bags of West Valley Sugar inside the vehicle. The sugar is believed to have been prepared for transportation and distribution.
Investigators later moved to a godown owned by the suspect south of Bukembe Shopping Centre. There, they recovered 98 more bags of 50kg West Valley Sugar. They also found 1,700 empty 50kg bags bearing the West Valley Sugar brand.
The large number of empty packaging bags has added to the suspicions surrounding the premises, with detectives now working to establish how the packaging materials were being used and where the sugar was being sourced, repackaged and distributed.
Crime Scene Investigation officers processed and documented the premises before the recovered items were secured as exhibits.
The evidence is expected to help detectives establish the activities taking place at the premises and identify other people who may have been involved.
Mwangi remains in custody as investigations continue. Detectives are expected to examine the suspected supply and distribution networks and determine whether other individuals or businesses were connected to the operation.
The crackdown is part of ongoing efforts by authorities to deal with uncustomed and illicitly repackaged goods. Such operations are aimed at protecting consumers from products whose origin, quality and handling may not be properly established, while also protecting businesses that operate within the law.
Investigators are continuing with the case as they seek to establish the full extent of the suspected sugar repackaging network.
