THE Kenyan anti counterfeit agency is investigating a container full of counterfeit soaps and beauty products intercepted at the port of Mombasa last week.

The twenty- feet container was on transit to the Democratic Republic of Congo from China. It was intercepted by the agency and customs officials with the help of Interpol.

The confiscation of the goods came after Colgate Palmolive raised alarm over the consignment which it said was a counterfeit of the company's products.

The container had 2,976 pieces of Pharmapur soaps, 3,600 pieces of high mercuric iodine extra Clair soap and 129,816 pieces of medisoft soap with a total estimated value of Sh 10.9 million.

"We are investigating to ascertain the real owner of the products so that we can take the necessary action on them. The products are counterfeit of Colgate Palmolive products. They are made with dangerous chemicals used for skin lightening," said Mombasa county anti counterfeit officer Casper Oluoch.

The container number1766683 originated from Hong Kong China and was consigned to Paluko Lolwako in DRC. However, no clearing agent or importer has come out to claim the goods according to the authority.

The products are said to be used for bleaching and have various medical and side effects on the human skin including skin cancer.

"We had to open it with the help of customs officials and we found out it was indeed carrying counterfeit products. The products are quite hazardous and we suspect they find their way into the local market," said Oluoch.

He warned importers against false declaration of goods and called for continued inter-agency cooperation to curb the trade on counterfeits.

According to the agency, most counterfeits are declared as transit goods to evade verification. They are also under valued to evade tax and finally find their way into the local market.

"We shall not allow anyone to trade on counterfeits. We are alert and will not allow any counterfeits into our country. People should also be keen on the contents of the products they are using," Oluoch said.