Police arrest 18 in Eastleigh fabric smuggling bust, crack down on container burglary syndicate! Police in Nairobi arrested 18 individuals on Monday night at a go-down in Eastleigh, where they were caught offloading fabric that had been illegally diverted from its intended export route.
According to detectives from the DCI’s Operations Support Unit, authorities had been tracking the shipment for three days after receiving reports that the consignment would be diverted for local use.
Illegal Diversion of Cargo
The fabric shipment, which originated from Mombasa Port, was declared as intended for export to Tanzania and Uganda.
However, instead of reaching its stated destination, the cargo was diverted to Nairobi, where it was transported to a warehouse in Eastleigh.
Eastleigh fabric smuggling bust
Upon reaching the go-down, workers began offloading the goods, unaware that police had been monitoring the operation. Authorities moved in and made the arrests.
Investigations Underway
Police say they are conducting further investigations into the incident, suspecting that similar smuggling operations have been taking place in Eastleigh, leading to millions of shillings in lost revenue.
The go-down where the fabric was found has been sealed off, pending an inspection by Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) officials and law enforcement agencies.
Crackdown on Container Burglary Syndicate
In a separate operation, police arrested a key suspect linked to a container burglary syndicate after months of investigations.
Authorities said the man was part of a criminal network that stole and sold condemned goods, including fake detergents, to unsuspecting members of the public.
The suspect was arrested in Nairobi while traveling from Mombasa, where he had allegedly been conducting illegal operations.
Seized Goods and Further Investigations
Police reports indicate that stolen goods, including Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulphate, were recovered from a storage facility at Kalu Works in Changamwe, Mombasa.
Documents from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) reveal that the suspect was arrested on February 25, 2025, and was detained at Kilindini Police Station for further questioning.
Authorities Tighten Security at Ports
The DCI has linked the suspect to a larger smuggling syndicate, prompting a serious investigation into the illegal trade of condemned goods.
“The matter is of national interest and a breach of security,” reads part of an affidavit from the investigating officer.
To combat rising cases of container theft and smuggling, the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) has introduced strict security controls, including:
- Mandatory passes for all port users and visitors.
- Restricted access to container terminals and other critical areas.
- Increased security patrols to monitor activities within the port.
- A multi-agency task force, including maritime officers, to curb cargo theft.
Public Urged to Report Fake Products
As investigations continue, police are urging the public to report any suspicious products, especially fake detergents and other potentially harmful items circulating in the market.
The recent arrests highlight growing efforts by law enforcement agencies to dismantle smuggling syndicates that exploit loopholes in the trade and export system.
Authorities remain committed to ensuring that criminal networks are disrupted, protecting both businesses and consumers from fraudulent trade practices.
