Detectives have arrested a suspect involved in the smuggling of 40,971 liters of ethanol, worth Ksh.26.9 million, which was being transported to Limuru sub-county.
On Wednesday, a joint operation by the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) intercepted two tanker trucks carrying ethanol disguised as imported molasses from Uganda. One of the tanker drivers, Edward Nandwa Otundo, was captured, while his accomplices escaped.
According to KRA, the ethanol was smuggled into Kenya through the Lwakhakha border station last week. A week-long intelligence-led operation led to the seizure of the concealed ethanol.
Investigators discovered that the tankers had hidden compartments filled with ethanol, while the main compartments contained only a small amount of molasses. The tankers were designed to allow molasses to be drained while keeping the ethanol hidden, which could only be accessed through pipes leading to the concealed compartments.
KRA conducted forensic tests to confirm the presence of ethanol in the tankers. The owner of both trucks, 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 urged security personnel and members of the public to be vigilant in the fight against counterfeit alcoholic drinks and to report any suspicious activity related to smuggling.
