Massive contraband milk powder seized in Nairobi as police uncover underground operation

KENYA – In a major sting operation conducted by the Operations Support Unit (OSU) detectives, over 32.5 tonnes of contraband milk powder have been seized from a godown along the Eastern Bypass in Nairobi.

The undercover operation led to the apprehension of suspects involved in the illegal trade.

The elaborate operation began with an unsuspecting broker in Eastleigh directing an undercover detective to the Kamakis area along Eastern Bypass, posing as a potential buyer.

A truck, loaded with an agreed-upon 150 bags, each weighing 25 kilograms, arrived at the location. The agreed price was set at Ksh16,500 per bag, totalling Ksh2,475,000 for the entire transaction.

The consignment owner, identified as Joseph Waweru, escorted the truck, driving a Toyota Prado with registration number KDN 573V.

Waweru was believed to be a key supplier to various businesses within Nairobi. However, the truck driver managed to escape during the police intervention.

Following interrogation, the OSU team traced Waweru’s godown to the Twin Industrial Park Godowns within the Ruai area off Eastern Bypass.

 In the presence of the suspect, detectives discovered an additional 1150 bags, each weighing 25 kg, of milk powder from various brands and 289 bags of Maize corn starch.

The godown also housed a truck with registration number KDG 087Z, containing 17 empty drums suspected to be used for transporting ethanol.

The brands of the seized milk powder included Fresh Dairy (Brookside Uganda), Gardo (New Zealand), Non-Dairy Creamer (China), SAMA (New Zealand), and Lato (Uganda). Additionally, 289 bags of maize corn starch from India were recovered.

The suspects, Joseph Waweru and Ali Noor are currently in police custody as further investigations unfold.

The seizure highlights the success of an intelligence-led operation targeting cartels involved in the illicit trade of contraband milk powder. Authorities are determined to dismantle such operations and maintain the integrity of the market.