This archive report was first published on 28 December 2019.
On December 28, 2019, the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) in collaboration with the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) seized a consignment of 7,500 litres of ethanol with an approximate tax value of over Ksh.2 million.
The ethanol was concealed in a 10,000 litres water tanker that was intercepted at Sultan Hamud, Makueni County.
According to KRA, upon examination, the tanker was found to be carrying 2,500 litres of water in an outer compartment while the second concealed compartment was discovered containing ethanol.
“Upon examination, the tanker was found to be carrying 2,500 of water in an outer compartment while the second concealed compartment was discovered containing ethanol,” said KRA in a press release.
“The sample were withdrawn and taken for testing at the KRA and Government chemist laboratory and the test results confirmed the consignment to be ethanol,” KRA added.
The truck driver and truck owner have since been arrested and are set to be arraigned.
“Investigations are still ongoing to ensure that the beneficial owners and the smugglers are apprehended and charged,” KRA stated.
It is worth noting that in 2015, KRA introduced procedures to govern access, purchase and importation of ethanol pursuant to the government’s initiative to combat illicit production and consumption of spirit-based beverages.
