The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) Investigation Department and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) in a joint operation unveiled a unique concealment trick used by unscrupulous traders in an ethanol smuggling racket.
In a press release on Thursday August 29, KRA said the operation resulted in the seizure of 40,971 litres of smuggled ethanol valued at Ksh 26.9 million.
KRA noted that the ethanol was concealed as imported molasses from a neighboring country and through the interception, tax loss of over Ksh 20.5 million was averted.
“The intelligence-led operation that began on Sunday 25th August 2024 and dragged through to Wednesday led to the seizure of 40,971 litres of smuggled ethanol valued at Kshs. 26.9 million,” read the statement in part.
According to KRA, the ethanol was being transported to Limuru in two tanker trucks each carrying 17,766 litres and 23,205 litres respectively.
Furthermore, the trucks are reported to have crossed into Kenya through Lwakhakha border station between 19th and 24th August 2024.
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Smuggled Ethanol Concealed with Molasses
The authority added that the main compartments of both tankers were filled with a total of only 2,720 litres of molasses while the rest included concealed compartments filled with ethanol.
“The valves of the tankers were constructed to drain molasses whereas the ethanol, being the bulk of the content, remained hidden and could only be drawn through pipes passed through the hidden compartments. The Molasses were used to conceal the ethanol,” KRA added.
Consequently, the investigation teams subjected the vehicles to scanning to ascertain the concealed compartments and later the contents were drawn for forensic tests to establish the chemical composition.
The goods are currently detained at a KRA warehouse for further investigations and processing of suspects.
Available information indicates that both trucks are owned by one Mr. Isaac Muigai Kahugu.
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One of the tanker drivers, Edward Nandwa Otundo, was arrested. The suspect is currently held at Capitol Hill Police station while the driver and the owner of the other tanker and consignment are being pursued.
Unscrupulous traders employ various tricks to conceal the illicit ethanol, making it hard to detect. Last year alone, 60,000 litres of smuggled ethanol was impounded.
Ethanol smuggling and manufacturing of counterfeit alcoholic drinks creates unfair trade competition and poses health and safety risks to the citizenry.
It is mainly used in the manufacture of cheap counterfeited alcoholic drinks.
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