The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) officers have intercepted 6,000 litres of ethanol suspected to have been smuggled into the country. The ethanol, packed in 25 drums, were concealed inside a lorry transporting 50 bags of maize each weighing 90Kg along Thika Road. The interception happened on Thursday 15th April at Ruiru within Kiambu County. The goods have an estimated tax value of Kshs. 2,224,875.

The interception happened after KRA officers received information that Directorate of Criminal Investigations Officers (DCIO) based in Kayole had seized a Mitsubishi FH lorry with 25 drums 250 litres of a colourless liquid suspected to be ethanol.

Customs Officers rushed to the scene and with assistance of DCIO conducted a full verification of the goods to confirm the description and quantities conveyed by the above truck. The verification confirmed the colourless liquid to be ethanol. The driver of the lorry, Charles Kanyuga Gitonga, was arrested and will be arraigned in court.

Being in possession of uncustomed goods is a violation of law under section 200 (d)(iii) as read with section 210 (c) of The East African Community Customs Management Act (EACCMA), 2004. Conveying uncustomed goods is also a crime under section 199(b)(iii) of the same law- EACCMA, 2004.

Punishment upon conviction on the two offences is imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years or to a fine equal to fifty percent of the dutiable value of the goods involved and a fine not exceeding five thousand dollars. The vehicle and goods, in respect of which such an offence has been committed, shall be liable to forfeiture.

KRA, in collaboration with other government agencies, continues to be vigilant at all ports of entry to curb trade of illicit goods and other transnational economic crimes.

Taxpayers are encouraged to pay their taxes and remain compliant with tax laws in order to avoid punitive enforcement measures including prosecution. KRA is building taxpayers trust through facilitation to compliance and endeavours to make taxpaying experience better through provision of a courteous and professional service.

Commissioner, Investigations and Enforcement