In a major crackdown on illicit trade, Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) Customs Enforcement officers from the Lwakhakha Border Station intercepted a truck suspected of ferrying 7,500 litres of uncustomed ethanol smuggled from Uganda. The consignment, contained in 30 drums, each holding 250 litres of ethanol, was cleverly concealed under 2 tonnes of oranges in a bid to evade detection.
Upon inspection, KRA’s Customs team discovered the illegal ethanol, and preliminary estimates indicate that the customs duties and taxes on the consignment are valued at approximately Kshs 4 million. The truck, now detained at the Lwakhakha Border Station, is under investigation, with authorities seeking to unravel the smuggling network behind the illicit operation.
The driver of the truck, however, fled the scene and is currently being sought by police. According to a KRA statement, the driver vanished after delivering the truck to the verification area, leaving the keys behind and escaping unnoticed. Efforts are underway to trace both the driver and the truck’s owner through the vehicle’s registration records.
Illicit trade poses a serious threat to revenue collection, national security, and public health in Kenya. The smuggling of goods such as ethanol undermines the economy, fuels organized crime, and exposes the public to unsafe products. To address these challenges, KRA has adopted a comprehensive, multi-agency approach that brings together various specialized departments to combat illicit trade and ensure strict compliance with customs regulations.
To bolster its fight against cross-border smuggling and tax evasion, KRA has implemented several strategic initiatives. A dedicated border security unit monitors cargo and human traffic to safeguard against illegal trade while actively participating in local security committees to share intelligence and disrupt smuggling operations. These efforts are supported by the deployment of robust investigations and intelligence techniques, which have led to successful seizures of illegal goods across the country.
The interception of the illicit ethanol is just the latest in a series of successful anti-smuggling operations by KRA. The multi-agency task force, of which KRA is a key member, continues to work tirelessly to protect the integrity of Kenya’s trade and secure its borders from criminal activity.
As investigations continue, KRA is calling on the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity that could contribute to illicit trade. The authority remains committed to tackling smuggling and ensuring the lawful movement of goods across the country’s borders.
