Sh12.5m counterfeit goods destroyed at Busia border

Customs officials at the Busia one-stop border post have destroyed counterfeit goods worth Sh12.5 million destined for the Kenyan market.

Busia customs officer in charge Davis Kiprop said the consignment, including liquor and pharmaceutical products, did not meet required standards upon declaration for clearance at the border.
He said the illegal products, some confiscated over four years ago, were seized through concerted efforts by the customs department to fight influx of contraband goods.

Spirits, pharmaceutical products

“The consignments we have disposed through destruction today had the value of approximately Sh12.5 million and were imports that were meant to enter the country and upon declaration they failed to pass the quality test. They are generally spirits, cosmetics and pharmaceutical products,” he told the press.

The officials disposed the illegal products in two phases; where they drained the liquor into a septic line while the beauty products were burnt.

“These items were not confiscated once but over time. Some of them date back four years ago.”

He denied claims that the importation of poisonous products, especially those containing mercury, was rife at the border.

“Some of these items especially with mercury content are goods that were being smuggled and we were able to intercept them meaning that that they can still get into the market through smuggling,” he added.

No arrests

The officer added that they were yet to arrest any culprits over the intercepted goods.

“Usually these products are prohibited and none of the owners will even dare to go through the process of litigation.”

He warned cross-border businessmen against trade in contraband products.

“We are custom officials are still facing the challenge posed by porous borders in the sense that smugglers have made it their weapon of trade.

"However, we always endeavour to patrol and do surveillance to try mitigate and controlling goods entering the market,” Mr Kiprop said.

The disposal was presided over by the National Environment Management Authority officials to ensure proper disposal.