KRA, DCI seize 40,971 litres of smuggled ethanol worth Sh26.9 million

Government Chemists and DCI Forensics experts conduct tests to confirm contents of two tankers at Inland Container Depot in Nairobi.

A joint operation by the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has led to the seizure of 40,971 litres of smuggled ethanol valued at Sh26.9 million.

In a statement on Thursday, August 29, KRA said the ethanol was disguised as imported molasses from a neighbouring country, preventing a tax loss of over Sh 20.5 million.

The operation, which began on Sunday, August 25, and concluded on Wednesday, August 28, saw the ethanol transported to Limuru in two tanker trucks, each carrying 17,766 litres and 23,205 litres.

The trucks crossed Kenya through the Lwakhakha border station between August 19 and 24.

According to KRA, the main compartments of the tankers held only 2,720 litres of molasses while the rest contained concealed compartments filled with ethanol.

Taxman said the tankers' valves were designed to drain the molasses with the ethanol hidden in the compartments accessible only through pipes.

The vehicles were scanned to reveal the hidden compartments, and forensic tests confirmed the chemical composition of the contents.

KRA noted the goods are now held at the authority's warehouse for further investigation and suspects are being processed.

One of the suspects, a tanker driver, was arrested with authorities pursuing the driver and owner of the other tanker and consignment.

KRA called upon law enforcement agencies and the public to join efforts by sharing intelligence reports to help dismantle the cartels for the public good.

"Unscrupulous traders employ various tricks to conceal the illicit ethanol, making it hard to detect," said KRA.

"Ethanol smuggling and manufacturing of counterfeit alcoholic drinks creates unfair trade competition and poses health and safety risks to the citizenry."