Authorities have intensified their crackdown on counterfeit agricultural products after arresting a suspected gunny bag trader in Kariokor, Starehe Sub-county, during a raid on Wednesday.

The operation, led by the Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA) and supported by police, targeted a godown where illicit activities were allegedly taking place.

Inside the facility, nearly 100 workers were actively sorting, labelling, and packing gunny bags when the enforcement team struck.

The raid uncovered 19,105 bags believed to be linked to a counterfeit fertiliser syndicate operating across multiple regions.

ACA Regional Manager Abdi Mohammed Abikar revealed that the bags were sourced from a suspected factory in Athi River and formed part of a wider network aiming to deceive farmers.

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“This is a well-orchestrated syndicate, but I am optimistic we will get a breakthrough,” Abikar said, noting that similar raids had already been conducted in Kisii, Kitale, and Kakamega counties.

He further warned that the cartel’s operations posed a serious risk to food security, especially as the planting season approaches.

“This seizure underscores our commitment to protecting farmers from fraudulent agricultural inputs that undermine food security and market trust,” he said.

Investigators suspect the group was stockpiling materials in anticipation of increased fertiliser demand by the end of February and throughout March.

Outside the godown, the commotion drew traders and residents who gathered to witness the raid.

Authorities believe the business has been thriving for years, with speculations suggesting that internal conflicts led to the exposure of the syndicate.

Deputy County Commissioner John Kisang, who was also present, admitted that the scale of the operation took even local officials by surprise.

“Members of the public might not have access to these godowns to see what transactions take place here. Even I did not know such an illegal business was happening here,” Kisang remarked.

He urged residents to report suspicious activities, warning that those engaged in counterfeit operations would soon face justice.

Meanwhile, ACA vowed to continue dismantling the syndicate, with further arrests expected in the coming days.