KRA seizes, destroys goods worth Sh500 million

KRA officers inspect cartons of alcoholic drinks bearing fake excise duty stamps. [Phares Mutembei, Standard]

The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has destroyed illicit goods worth Sh500 million that were seized from the market.

Goods with an estimated tax value of Sh150 million were destroyed at the Export Processing Zone in Arthi River on Wednesday, June 27.

KRA, in a statement yesterday said the goods were confiscated in a move aimed at ridding the market of counterfeit products.

"The Inter-Agency team confiscated the goods to protect society from illicit products and enhance legitimate business among traders," the Authority said.

The destruction was done in collaboration with KRA and the Inter-Agency team officials from the National Police Service (NPS) and the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS).

Among the illegal goods destroyed were alcoholic beverages and cigarettes amongst others, which had been impounded during various Inter-agency operations countrywide.

KRA has notified all traders and the general public that it is an offense to distribute, sell, or be in possession of any excisable goods manufactured or imported by unlicensed persons.

Last month, the tax regulatory body also destroyed unclaimed goods stored at different warehouses across the country including Eldoret, Lokichoggio, Suam, Nakuru, and Lodwar.