The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has seized several liters of illicit alcoholic beverages during an anti-illicit trade operation Nairobi.
KRA carried out simultaneous operations in various parts of Nairobi including Kariobangi, Ruai, Kiserian, Dandora, Pipeline, Kasarani and Kenyatta Market, as well as Western and Central regions part of Kenya.
The operation happened on Saturday and KRA officers seized various brands of illicit liquor estimated to have a market value of Kshs 1,430,900 and tax value of Kshs 657,343.
The raids were conducted on targeted shops after KRA received information from the public on the presence of counterfeit excise stamps in the market of excisable goods.
KRA says illicit trade has very serious implications that affect all the concerned players’ right from the manufactures conducting their business within the confines of the law to the unsuspecting consumers who might end up consuming potentially hazardous products.
The taxman further says illicit trade denies government its due revenue.
KRA urges traders to comply and avoid offering for sale excisable goods not affixed with excise stamps or affixed with counterfeit stamps. “Traders are advised to deal with legitimate spirit/tobacco/water manufacturers and to use the SOMA LABEL APP available on Apple/Play Store to check the authenticity of excise stamps,” notes a statement from KRA.
KRA has reminded traders and the public that it is an offence to distribute, offer for sale or be in possession of any excisable goods manufactured or imported by unlicensed persons. “The traders can access updated list of licensed manufacturers and importers of excisable goods, which is available on the KRA website,” notes KRA.
KRA has committed to keep ensuring that trade operations are only carried out by traders who abide by the laid down legislations and tax policies.