Police in Garissa have impounded 88 pieces of 25-kg bags of contraband sugar and detained two probox vehicles that were ferrying the consignment along the Nunow – Garissa road.
According to Garissa Town sub-county Police Commander Samuel Boit, the drivers of the impounded vehicles fled into nearby bushes after a chase by police officers who were on patrol.
The vehicles and the contraband sugar has been towed to the Garissa police station as investigations commence to arrest the suspects.
“We have brought together a multi-agency team to carry out investigations into the matter and establish if the sugar was licensed or not and how it was brought into the country,” Boit said.
“Over the years we have realized that these contraband goods sometimes also involve illegal firearms, ammunition and other dangerous weapons. We are urging our citizens in this region to continue their vigilance and share any information on suspicious activities especially during this festive season,” he added.
Boit warned business people who are hell-bent on conducting the illegal business to stop forthwith before the long arm of the law catches up with them.
The OCPD outlined that there are guidelines spelled out for anyone who wants to legally import goods into the country which must be followed.
“There are government officials at the border points who are tasked with ensuring that the goods coming in are declared safe and duty paid on them. After that, you are free to continue doing your business here,” he said.
At the same time, Boit assured the citizens that the police are working round the clock to keep the area safe during the coming holidays.
By Erick Kyalo
