Contraband goods worth Ksh.3.3 million destroyed in Garissa

A multi-agency team has destroyed contraband goods worth Ksh.3.3 million impounded for the last four years in a bid to deter an influx of the commodities in Garissa.

The commodities, which were destroyed at Garissa dumpsite following court orders, include 295 bags of brown sugar, fresh powdered milk, heat retention wonder bags, women shoes, various clothing items, beauty products and pain relief tablets.

Speaking during the exercise, Assistant County Commissioner John Marete said the products destroyed were a health hazard to residents, noting that they had not undergone quality checks at the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS).

He consequently urged residents to be careful when buying goods and to ensure that they have the KEBS standard mark of quality which verifies their authenticity.

Marete likewise reassured legitimate businesses in the area that the government will not relent in efforts to ensure that contraband goods do not get into the Kenyan market.

He similarly issued a stern warning to businessmen in Garissa, who are still involved in smuggling in contraband goods, that stern action would be taken against them.