Police in Nakuru have nabbed 575 litres of suspected ethanol being transported to an unknown destination.
In a statement, the National Police Service said the chemical, used to make illegal alcohol, was being transported in a Nissan note.
“On 27/12/2023 at about 1300hrs NPS Officers from Elementaita Police Station impounded a motor vehicle reg. No.KDM 563R Nissan Note and recovered 575 litres of suspected Ethanol,” the statement read in part.
Two suspects, Isack Ochieng and Hedmond Ochieng, were arrested during the operation.
“The driver of the vehicle, Isack Ochieng and Hedmond Ochieng who were also arrested are in police custody awaiting to appear before Nakuru CMS Court on December 28, 2023. NPS wishes to thank members of public for sharing information that led to the success of this operation,” the police added.
Ethanol use
The by-product of sugar production used in the cosmetic and alcohol production industries is often smuggled in Kenya to manufacture illicit brews.
Enact Africa estimates that Kenya loses about USD259,462,260 (Ksh40 billion) in revenue annually through counterfeit alcohol produced from illegally obtained ethanol.
