The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) together with the the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) on Saturday seized a consignment of 7,500 litres of ethanol with an approximate tax value of over Ksh2 million.
The ethanol had been concealed in a 10,000litres water tanker which was intercepted at Sultan Hamud, Makueni County.
Upon examination, the tanker was found to be carrying 2,500 litres of water in an outer compartment while the second concealed compartment was discovered containing ethanol.
Kenya Revenue Authority
The samples were withdrawn and taken for testing at the KRA and
Government chemist laboratory and the test results confirmed the consignment to
be ethanol.
The truck driver was arrested and will be arraigned in court alongside
the truck owner. Investigations are still ongoing to ensure that the beneficial
owners and the smugglers are apprehended and charged.
In 2015, KRA through a public notice introduced procedures to govern access, purchase and importation of ethanol pursuant to the government’s initiative to combat illicit production and consumption of spirit based beverages.
The procedures provides requirements based on provisions of Customs and Excise Act.
KRA’s move, which took effect from 1st September 2015, is aimed at controlling access to ethanol to prevent that, which is detrimental to public, as well as preventing revenue hemorrhage .
The taxman has made deliberate efforts to seal all revenue loopholes amid shortfalls in revenue collection that have exposed the taxman to scrutiny than ever before.
KRA is also part of the multi-agency agency team tasked with fighting illicit trade and contraband goods.
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