Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) are holding two suspects in connection with 32.5 tonnes of contraband milk powder seized at a godown along the Eastern Bypass in Ruai, Nairobi.

In a statement on Thursday, January 4, DCI said the suspects were arrested during an operation staged by the Operations Support Unit (OSU) detectives targeting cartels selling contraband milk powder in the country.

"In the sting operation, an unsuspecting known broker in Eastleigh by the name Ali Noor directed an undercover hawkshaw to Kamakis area along Eastern Bypass, after he (officer) posed as a potential buyer," DCI revealed.

"On arrival, a KBP 480A Mitsubishi truck loaded with an agreed 150 bags each weighing 25 kg arrived. The agreed price was Sh16,500 per bag, translating to Sh2,475,000 in the transaction.

According to the DCI, the truck carrying the goods was under the escort of the consignment owner identified as Joseph Waweru.

Waweru is said to have been driving a Toyota Prado at the time of the raid and is believed to be the main supplier to traders within Nairobi County.

Other detectives who were lying in wait pounced on the two suspects, Joseph Waweru and Ali Noor, but the driver of the truck managed to escape.

"After interrogation, OSU team managed to trace the godown of the main suspect (Joseph Waweru) which is located at Twin Industrial Park Godowns within Ruai area off Eastern Bypass," DCI added.

Another 1150 bags of milk powder bearing different brands and 289 bags each weighing 25 kg of maize corn starch were recovered in the warehouse.

"Also inside the godown was a truck Reg No. KDG 087Z with 17 empty drums suspected to be used to transport Ethanol," DCI added.

Waweru and Noor were placed in custody pending further legal action.