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Police in Busia County have intercepted 22 drums of Ethanol worth Ksh 13 million.
The 8,000 litres of ethanol, smuggled into Kenya from Uganda through a porous section of the Kenya-Uganda border near Busia Town on Thursday morning, was intercepted by a multi-agency security team acting on intelligence, leading to the successful operation.
Addressing the press at Malaba Police Station, where the Isuzu lorry registration number KDB 287U is being detained, Western Regional Police Commander Issa Mohamood who led the regional and Busia County security team, expressed deep concern over the worrying trend of illegal importation of contraband goods through the border. He also thanked security agencies and members of the public for their continued efforts.
Mohamood said the drums had been covered by 57 bags of chicken feed to conceal the consignment. The Regional Police boss warned that ethanol is for industrial use, and unscrupulous traders used it to make counterfeit alcohol, Chang’aa and fake spirits.
Mahmood further warned that the drink could cause blindness, pose serious long-term health risks, and even lead to death. Samples have been taken for analysis as police launch investigations.
The driver of the truck escaped using a motorcycle and police have mounted a manhunt for him and the owner amid fears that it was destined for the Mount Kenya region.
Earlier, there was a standoff between the Malaba OCS Joyce Siyongo and Malaba KRA officials who had demanded that the lorry containing the consignment be taken to the Customs parking yard.
However, the OCS stood her ground, stating that it was the police who intercepted the truck and, therefore, they must be allowed to hold both the vehicle and the consignment at the police station pending investigations
Among the top security officers who accompanied the regional commander are the Regional Criminal Investigations officer James Lelia, Busia County Police Commander Ahmed Abdille, Amagoro ACC Patrick Powon and Malaba and Busia customs officials.
Meanwhile, Western regional police commander Issa Mohamood has urged the Gen Zs in the western region to notify police of their intended protests, saying police will provide them with security.
Noting that it is their right to picket, the regional boss, however, warned that although people have a right to demonstrate, they should not infringe on the rights of other Kenyans who will not join the protests.
