DCI Director Mohamed Amin announced on Tuesday evening that a shipment was intercepted while being transported from a border town to Nairobi. Detectives apprehended two suspects during the operation, which was guided by intelligence and executed by officers from Nyahururu.
Amin detailed that the head of criminal investigations in Nyahururu quickly organized a team to stop a truck carrying 88 drums of ethanol, each with a capacity of 250 liters, which were hidden beneath construction blocks.
Upon seizing the cargo, investigators discovered that the truck had been contracted to transport beans from the Malaba border to Nairobi via the Nakuru-Gilgil-Naivasha route, but it had been rerouted to the Nakuru-Nyahururu-Nyeri highway.
“The suspects attempted to escape when flagged down but were subsequently taken into custody,” Amin stated.
A multi-agency team, including members of the subcounty security team and officials from KRA South Rift, has documented the evidence. The seized cargo and the suspects have been moved to the Nakuru KRA bonded warehouse for further legal proceedings.
Ethanol is a clear, colorless liquid with a distinct odor and a burning taste, commonly found in beverages like beer, wine, and spirits. It also serves as an industrial chemical in the production of solvents, cosmetics, and various other products.
To curb the misuse of ethanol in illegal alcohol production, the government has enforced stringent regulations for manufacturers and importers. In August 2015, the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) established new rules requiring anyone wishing to import ethanol to provide quarterly usage forecasts.
Importers must also obtain clearance from KRA and declare their shipments one week prior to arrival. Additionally, all cargo must be transported in vehicles equipped with electronic tracking devices, as mandated by the tax authority.
