KRA, DCI Capture KSh 26m Smuggled Ethanol After 4 Days Operation, How It Was Hidden

• The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have seized 40,971 litres of smuggled ethanol valued at KSh 26.9 million in a joint operation
• The ethanol was concealed as imported molasses in two tanker trucks that crossed into Kenya through the Lwakhakha border station between August 19 and 24, 2024
• The smugglers used sophisticated concealment methods, hiding the ethanol in secret compartments within the tankers, with only 2,720 litres of molasses covering the illicit cargo
• One tanker driver, Edward Nandwa Otundo, was arrested and is currently detained at Capitol Hill Police Station

Elijah Ntongai, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, has more than three years of financial, business, and technology research expertise, providing insights into Kenyan and global trends.

Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) investigation department and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has seized of 40,971 litres of smuggled ethanol, valued at KSh 26.9 million.

The operation, which began on Sunday, August 25, 2024, and concluded on Wednesday, revealed a sophisticated concealment method employed by the smugglers.

How was the ethanol hidden?

In a press release sent to TUKO.co.ke KRA revealed that the ethanol, concealed as imported molasses, was intercepted while being transported to Limuru in two tanker trucks.

The trucks, which crossed into Kenya through the Lwakhakha border station between August 19 and 24, were carrying 17,766 litres and 23,205 litres of ethanol, respectively.

The smugglers had cleverly hidden the ethanol in concealed compartments within the tankers, with only 2,720 litres of molasses used to cover the illicit cargo.

"The ethanol was being transported to Limuru in two tanker trucks each carrying 17,766 litres and 23,205 litres and which crossed into Kenya through Lwakhakha border station between 19th and 24th August 2024.

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 was used to conceal the ethanol," KRA's statement read in part.

According to KRA officials, the valves of the tankers were designed to drain only the molasses, leaving the ethanol hidden in separate compartments.

Who was arrested?

One of the tanker drivers, identified as Edward Nandwa Otundo, was arrested and is currently detained at Capitol Hill Police Station.

Authorities are actively pursuing the owner of the tankers, Isaac Muigai Kahugu, and the driver of the second vehicle.

This seizure comes as part of an ongoing effort to combat the smuggling of ethanol, which is often used in the production of counterfeit alcoholic beverages.

KRA said that last year alone, 60,000 litres of smuggled ethanol were impounded, highlighting the scale of the issue.

The taxman further explained that ethanol smuggling not only creates unfair competition in the alcohol industry but also poses significant health risks to consumers due to the production of substandard and dangerous counterfeit products.