Detectives have apprehended one individual linked to the smuggling of 40,971 liters of ethanol, valued at Ksh.26.9 million.

The arrest followed a joint operation by officers from the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).

PHOTO | COURTESY Trailer carrying the Ethanol

On Wednesday, the officers intercepted two tanker trucks, one carrying 17,766 liters and the other 23,205 liters, which were falsely declared as imported molasses from Uganda.

The detained suspect, Edward Nandwa Otundo, was one of the tanker drivers, while his accomplices managed to escape. According to a statement by KRA, the ethanol is believed to have been smuggled into Kenya through the Lwakhakha border station the previous week.

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The intelligence-led operation began on Sunday, August 25, 2024, and culminated in the seizure on Wednesday. KRA revealed that the ethanol was concealed within the tankers, which were only partially filled with molasses.

The main compartments of both tankers contained just 2,720 molasses, while the rest of the space was used to hide the ethanol. The tankers were equipped with specially designed valves, allowing the molasses to be drained while the ethanol remained hidden and accessible only through concealed pipes.



KRA reported that the vehicles were scanned to identify the hidden compartments and forensic tests was conducted to confirm their contents. The Authority also disclosed that the truck owner, Isaac Muigai Kahugu, and one of the drivers are still at large.

The arrested suspect was taken to Capitol Hill Police Station, and the seized goods were stored at the KRA warehouse for further processing.

KRA has reiterated its commitment to combating the illegal trade of counterfeit alcoholic beverages and has urged the public and security personnel to remain vigilant against smugglers.