Police intercept driver after defying orders, seize uncustomed ethanol in Baringo
By Nancy Marende, September 23, 2025Police in Koibatek, Baringo County, have arrested one person of interest and impounded a vehicle laden with uncustomed ethanol following a coordinated intelligence-led operation.
In a statement released on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, the National Police Service (NPS) reported that officers from Eldama Ravine Police Station intercepted a motor vehicle in the Torongo area on September 22, 2025, following intelligence indicating that it was transporting contraband.
“Upon being flagged down, the driver defied police orders, made a U-turn, and attempted to flee. However, with the assistance of members of the public, the vehicle was successfully intercepted,” read the statement in part.
Further, the NPS revealed that a search of the vehicle uncovered 42 jerrycans, each with a capacity of 25 litres, containing ethanol, which they claimed could have been smuggled into the country without customs clearance.
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The driver was placed in custody pending processing and arraignment in court, while the vehicle was towed to Eldama Ravine Police Station.
The NPS has also commended members of the public for their cooperation and urged them to maintain continued vigilance.
Nandi
This comes a few weeks after police officers in Nandi recovered a vehicle loaded with ethanol, cannabis, and multiple fake number plates on Friday, September 12, 2025, after a chase at Ndurio Trading Centre.
In a statement on Saturday, September 13, 2025, the NPS said the incident involved officers from the Ndurio Police Post who were acting on actionable intelligence.
They flagged down a white Toyota Harrier, but the driver tried to escape by making a U-turn.
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Police gave chase, and the driver abandoned the vehicle before it was driven to the Kobujoi Police Station.
Upon inspection, officers discovered forty-five jerrycans, each containing 30 litres of a liquid suspected to be ethanol.
Also recovered inside the vehicle were two rolls of cannabis sativa, three sets of number plates, a mobile phone, and a laminated smart driving licence.
“The vehicle was detained at Kobujoi Police Station, while the recovered items have been secured as exhibits,” NPS stated.
The person of interest, who fled on foot during the chase, is still being pursued.
Police confirmed that efforts are underway to track the person of interest down so that he can face justice once arrested.