The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has seized over 40,000 litres of smuggled ethanol, estimated to be worth Ksh. 26.9 million. The operation, led by a joint team of KRA officers and detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), resulted in the arrest of one suspect while others involved in the smuggling ring remain at large.
The seizure occurred on Wednesday when authorities intercepted two tanker trucks transporting a total of 40,971 litres of ethanol under the guise of imported molasses. The trucks were on their way to Limuru, Kiambu County, when they were stopped. According to a statement by KRA, the ethanol was believed to have been smuggled into the country through the Lwakhakha border station, a point along the Kenya-Uganda border, the previous week.
Details of the Seizure
The operation that led to the capture began on Sunday, August 25, 2024, and culminated in the discovery on Wednesday. The two tankers, carrying 17,766 litres and 23,205 litres of ethanol respectively, had their contents cleverly concealed within the main compartments of the trucks. The contraband was masked as molasses, with only 2,720 litres of the sugary by-product being present in the tanks, while the rest of the compartments were filled with ethanol.
Authorities revealed that the smugglers used sophisticated methods to hide the illicit cargo. The tankers had valves constructed to allow only the molasses to be drained while retaining the ethanol, which could only be extracted using special pipes leading to hidden compartments. This technique would have enabled the criminals to transport the illegal substance without detection, had it not been for the keen efforts of the enforcement officers.
Arrests and Investigations
One of the drivers, identified as Edward Nandwa Otundo, was apprehended during the operation. However, his accomplices managed to escape the scene. The trucks’ owner, Isaac Muigai Kahugu, is still at large along with another driver. The captured suspect was taken to Capitol Hill Police Station for further questioning, while the seized goods were transported to a KRA warehouse for forensic analysis and further processing.
To confirm the concealed contents, the investigation team employed advanced scanning technologies to detect hidden compartments within the tankers. Forensic tests were also conducted to ascertain the chemical composition of the liquids, which conclusively identified the majority of the cargo as ethanol.
KRA’s Efforts Against Smuggling
The KRA has reiterated its commitment to combating illegal trade, particularly the smuggling of ethanol and other counterfeit alcoholic products. Ethanol, which is a key ingredient in the manufacture of alcoholic beverages, is often smuggled to avoid excise taxes, leading to significant revenue loss for the government and posing health risks to consumers due to potentially unsafe production practices.
KRA has urged both security agencies and the general public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities that may hint at smuggling or illegal trade. “We are committed to stamping out the illegal trade of counterfeit alcoholic drinks. We urge the public and security personnel to stay alert and support our efforts to curb these illegal activities,” the authority stated.
Ongoing Investigations and Public Appeal
As investigations continue, KRA is determined to bring all those involved in this illegal operation to justice. The Authority has emphasized the importance of public cooperation in identifying and reporting any suspicious activities. The crackdown serves as a stern warning to those engaged in illegal trade that the government remains steadfast in its commitment to protecting public health and securing national revenue.
The case highlights the complexities of cross-border smuggling and the need for increased vigilance and cooperation among law enforcement agencies to combat such activities. The public is encouraged to report any information that could lead to the arrest of the fugitive suspects and dismantling of smuggling networks.
Conclusion
This latest seizure underscores KRA’s dedication to fighting illegal trade and safeguarding the country’s economy. With continued vigilance and cooperation from both law enforcement and the public, KRA aims to reduce smuggling activities and protect Kenya’s revenue base from such criminal activities.
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