Police in Kabete have arrested two persons of interest after detectives raided a homestead in Muthua and uncovered a suspected counterfeit juice production facility containing about 1,400 filled bottles.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), in a statement posted on its social media accounts on Thursday, October 1, 2026, said the operation followed a tip-off from a member of the public who alerted officers to suspicious activities at the premises.
Detectives from Kabete Police Station acted on the information and raided the homestead, where they found two persons of interest and what the agency described as a clandestine juice production operation.
“Both were arrested on the spot as detectives commenced processing the scene and securing items believed to be connected to the operation,” the DCI said.
Police recover 1,400 filled bottles in Kabete
According to the DCI, detectives recovered approximately 1,400 filled 200ml and 300ml bottles of suspected counterfeit juice during the search.
The operation also led to the recovery of 56 cartons of empty bottles, five packets of bottle tops, two blue drums and three assorted-colour basins.
Investigators further recovered office glue, rubber stamps, ink and assorted stickers, pointing to a packaging and labelling setup at the premises.
Among the items seized was an expired certificate authorising the use of the Standardisation Mark for a well-known juice brand.
Detectives also found assorted powdery and colourless substances packed in polythene bags in 50-gram portions, alongside similar substances stored in 200ml and 300ml bottles.
DCI warns over unregulated beverage production
Crime Scene Investigation officers processed the premises following the raid as detectives documented and secured the recovered materials.
The two persons of interest remained in police custody as investigators worked to establish the source of the materials, the intended distribution channels and whether other people were connected to the operation.
The DCI warned that counterfeit beverages produced in unregulated and unhygienic environments can expose consumers to serious health risks.
The agency also said counterfeit operations undermine legitimate manufacturers and deprive the government of revenue associated with lawful trade.
The Kabete raid was triggered by information from a member of the public, underscoring the role of public alerts in helping investigators identify suspected illegal manufacturing activities.
The DCI said it remains committed to pursuing counterfeiters and dismantling networks involved in the illegal trade.
