Contraband goods recovered in Vihiga during DCI raid, 2 suspects arrested (PHOTOs)

Sunday, July 26, 2026 - Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have arrested two suspects and recovered a cache of suspected contraband goods during an intelligence-led operation in Vihiga County.

The raid, carried out by detectives from Luanda Police Station in collaboration with the DCI Headquarters Operations Unit, targeted premises in Mwichio Township, Emuhaya Sub-County, believed to be linked to a suspect popularly known as "Moi," who is under investigation for allegedly operating an illegal trade network dealing in uncustomized cigarettes and diverted Government-subsidized farm inputs.

During the operation, detectives recovered 36 boxes of uncustomized Supermatch King Size cigarettes containing approximately 6,000 sticks, as well as two boxes of Oris cigarettes that had been marked for export.

The officers also recovered 50 bags of 50-kilogram Government of Kenya fertilizer supplied through the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) and manufactured by OCP Company.

Other items seized included five bales of plastic bags, 19 bales of Nice Flat Bags (5×8) containing 200 pieces each, and 90 packets of assorted-color Rizzla rolling papers.

Two suspects, identified as Ruth Ongachi and Shem Amianda, were arrested during the raid and remain in police custody pending processing and arraignment in court.

All the recovered exhibits have been secured at the Vihiga County DCI Headquarters as detectives continue investigations to establish the source of the goods, trace the distribution network, and identify other individuals linked to the suspected criminal enterprise.

The DCI reaffirmed its commitment to dismantling contraband and illicit trade networks and urged members of the public to continue providing information that can help bring economic offenders to justice.

The Kenyan DAILY POST.