DCI Director Mohamed Amin issued a statement on Tuesday evening confirming the interception of a large ethanol consignment being transported from the border town to Nairobi. Detectives, acting on intelligence, stopped the truck carrying the cargo and arrested two suspects.
The operation was led by detectives from Nyahururu, with the head of the Nyahururu subcounty criminal investigations team coordinating the interception of the truck, which was transporting 88 drums of ethanol, each with a 250-liter capacity. The drums were concealed under construction blocks.
According to Amin, the truck was originally hired to transport beans from the Malaba border to Nairobi, following the Nakuru-Gilgil-Naivasha route. However, it was diverted to the Nakuru-Nyahururu-Nyeri highway, where it was flagged down. The suspects attempted to flee but were quickly apprehended and taken into custody.
A multi-agency team, including local security officials and Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) South Rift staff, documented the seized goods. The consignment and suspects were subsequently transported to the Nakuru KRA bonded warehouse for further legal processing.
Ethanol, a clear, colorless liquid with a distinct odor and “burning” taste, is commonly found in beer, wine, and spirits in its diluted form. It is also used as an industrial chemical in the production of solvents, cosmetics, and various beauty products.
To prevent the illegal use of ethanol in the production of illicit alcohol, the government has imposed strict regulations on its manufacturing and importation. In August 2015, the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) introduced new rules requiring importers to submit quarterly usage projections. Importers must also seek clearance from KRA and declare their cargo a week prior to arrival. Furthermore, ethanol shipments are required to be transported in vehicles fitted with electronic tracking devices.
The illegal and unregulated use of ethanol in making illicit alcohol has been responsible for numerous fatalities and, in less extreme cases, serious health issues such as blindness.
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