Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) in Kisii South have uncovered a major scam involving stolen government-subsidized fertilizer.
A sting operation led by security officials exposed a group of unscrupulous businessmen repackaging the fertilizer and selling it to unsuspecting farmers.
The operation took place in a secret hideout where officers discovered a well-organized scheme to alter the appearance of the fertilizer before putting it back on the market.
Investigations revealed that the fertilizer was deliberately mixed with dirt and oil to darken its color. This was done to make it look like high-quality black fertilizer, which is highly valued in the market.
Farmers who believed they were buying superior fertilizer were, in reality, purchasing a poor-quality product that had been tampered with.
This fraudulent practice not only robbed farmers of their money but also put their crops at risk due to the use of ineffective fertilizer.
Inside the hideout, officers found strong evidence of the scam. Sacks of the fake fertilizer were already packed and prepared for sale.
There were also signs of attempts to cover up the illegal operation. Charred bags and oil drainage spots at the scene suggested that the culprits had tried to destroy evidence before the police arrived.
However, their efforts were not enough to hide their activities from law enforcement. Kisii South Deputy County Commissioner, Grace Ouma, confirmed that the suspects intentionally darkened the fertilizer because many farmers believe that black fertilizer is the best.
This false perception in the market made it easier for the criminals to deceive buyers and sell the altered product at high prices. The scam not only exploited farmers but also raised concerns about the effectiveness of government programs meant to support agriculture.
During the operation, police arrested two suspects who were directly involved in the illegal business. The suspects initially resisted arrest, but after being questioned, they admitted to their involvement.
Authorities believe that the two were part of a larger network and have launched further investigations to uncover their accomplices. The police are now aggressively pursuing other individuals who may be linked to the racket.
The discovery of this scam raises serious concerns about the distribution of government-subsidized fertilizer. It highlights the vulnerability of agricultural inputs meant to benefit farmers and improve food production.
Authorities are now working to track down all those involved in the scheme to ensure justice is served and to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Farmers have also been advised to be cautious when purchasing fertilizer and to report any suspicious activities to the relevant authorities.
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