Isiolo Law Court on Monday sanctioned and oversaw the destruction of 5,000 litres of liquor products that had been seized over tax-related offences. The goods had a tax implication of KShs. 1.3 million.
Chief Magistrate Hon. Lucy Mutai ordered the destruction of 20,000 bottles of Trace Vodka 250 ml each packed in 1000 cartons.
The destruction was undertaken in the presence of the Court’s Administrator, representatives from The Office of Director of Public Prosecution (ODPP), the Defence Counsel and the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) before the goods were crashed using an excavator within court precincts.
The consignment belonging to Geoffrey Thuranira was seized on 15th December 2021 at the Kambi ya Juu area within Isiolo Central Sub County. Thuranira was subsequently charged with the offence of being in possession of excisable goods affixed with counterfeit excise stamps contrary to the Excise Duty Regulation (Excise Goods Management System) Act, 2017.
“The case has been concluded. More than 60 suspects involved in illicit trade have so far been arrested and charged since 1st July, 2023 averting a tax loss of more than KShs 50 million. KRA is working closely with other government agencies in the fight against illicit trade,” KRA said in a statement
KRA Commissioner in charge of Investigations & Enforcement says deployment of robust investigations and intelligence techniques has led to successful interceptions and deterrence of devious trade.
