Police seize 13 trucks, bust massive counterfeit cooking oil ring in Mombasa

Thirteen trucks have been impounded in Mombasa after police and the Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA) uncovered a large-scale operation repackaging crude edible oil into counterfeit company-branded containers.

The raid was conducted in the Shimanzi area of Mvita, following intelligence reports. Officers found crude oil being processed in unhygienic conditions and repackaged into 20-litre jerricans bearing the stickers of popular cooking oil firms.

According to officials, the yard contained two large tankers, several drums, processing and packaging equipment, more than 400 jerricans, and about 14 transit goods tankers inside the compound.

A multi-agency team led by Mombasa County Commissioner Mohamed Noor and Coast Regional Police Commander Ali Nunow inspected the scene. Also present were representatives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), the Public Health Department, the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS), the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), and the Mombasa County Inspectorate.

The coast police commander, Ali, confirmed the seizure, warning members of the public to be cautious about the products they consume.

“We have discovered that there were many trucks, about 13. This operation constitutes a multi-agency team; all government agencies are represented here, and we are going to investigate this matter,” he said.

“I want to inform the general public to be very careful about what they consume because the conditions under which this oil is being processed and prepared are very pathetic and unhealthy.”

ACA’s Ibrahim Bulle said the facility was engaged in multiple criminal activities that fell under different jurisdictions, necessitating a combined response.

“We have also identified that there are quite a number of offences committed within the facility. That is the reason a multi-agency team has been formed by the County Commissioner to unravel, detect and deal with the case under criminal proceedings,” Ibrahim stated.

“If the owner of this brand cannot move to market his products, then he cannot have his share in the market. That is why you see many factories closing down.”

County Commissioner Mohamed Noor stressed the importance of coordinated investigations to protect consumers and ensure the perpetrators face justice.

“We have seen the condition in which this oil is being recycled into branded jerricans. We shall ensure that the public is safe from what is going on here. We expect the manufacturers to also come forward and assist us. KEBS and NEMA must also ensure Kenyans are safe from unscrupulous business people who are only out to make a profit at the expense of the public,” he said.

No arrests have been made yet, but police confirmed the yard’s owners are being pursued. The premises have since been declared a crime scene and are under 24-hour surveillance.

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