More than 16,080 litres of smuggled ethanol have been seized in different parts of Kenya as residents of East Africa start their usual end-of-year migration spree from urban to rural areas for holidays.
Consignment of 12,750 litres of ethyl alcohol, a chemical compound that is both colourless and flammable was impounded in the southern parts of Teso in Busia, according to an official statement from the Kenyan Director of Criminal Investigations (DCI).
The unaccustomed goods, packed in a total of 51 large containers each with capacity of 250 litres were being transported on a Chinese made Sino truck, an extended tipper lorry, with number plates KBU 461J.
The ethyl alcohol was concealed under ballast, as far as the report states.
The truck was intercepted by the police in the Teso area of the Lake Victoria zone. Reports claim that the illegal cargo was being smuggled from the neighbouring country of Uganda.
Busia Country of Kenya, borders Tororo, Malaba and Lumino in the Eastern Region of Uganda.
The incident occurs just two days after a similar shipment of 3,330 litres of ethyl ethanol stored in 111 containers each with a capacity to hold 30 litres was seized in the same precinct of Busia County.
The seizure, according to the DCI report, followed an intelligence-led operation which was conducted by Teso South law enforcers, who pursued and intercepted the suspected vehicle as it drove into Angorom location within Adungosi.
Their hawk eyes saw through the well-spread ballast, as they ordered the 56-year-old driver, Stephen Kariuki, out of the trailer and offered him a separate ride to the Adungosi police cells.
The vehicle was also detained at the station, where upon removal of the ballast 53 drums of suspected unaccustomed Ethanol were found.
It is being suspected that the ethanol could actually be raw material in the brewing of illegal gins in the interior parts of Kenya.
Detectives in the area have commended the members of public who are embracing community policing by sharing credible information, thus contributing significantly to the safety and security of their neighbourhood.