Police in, Baringo County has intercepted a vehicle carrying uncustomed ethanol in the Torongo area of Koibatek on Monday. According to a statement by the National Police Service (NPS), the interception followed an intelligence-led operation mounted by officers from Eldama Ravine Police Station.
Koibatek has been one of the areas in Baringo County where illegal brewing of chang’aa, kangara, and other local illicit spirits has been a persistent problem.
Beyond local brewing, in Koibatek, Eldama Ravine, there have been multiple seizures of uncustomed or illicit ethanol which has led to health risks to the intended users.
On Monday evening,police signaled the vehicle, a motor car bearing registration number KDM 652S, to stop for inspection. However, instead of complying, the driver attempted to evade the authorities.
“Upon being flagged down, the driver defied police orders, made a U-turn, and attempted to flee,” the statement from NPS read.
Members present at the scene helped the police to nab the suspect.”However, with the assistance of memebrs of the public, the vehicle was succesfully intercepted,”the statement read.
A thorough search of the vehicle uncovered a significant consignment of suspected contraband, 42 jerricans, each with a capacity of 25litres, amounting to 1050 liters of the total amount of ethanol intercepted.
The National Police Service underscored the seriousness of the incident, noting that the smuggling of uncustomed goods undermines Kenya’s economy and poses risks to public safety. In its statement, the service reaffirmed its dedication to fighting such illegal trade. “The National Police Service reiterates its steadfast commitment to curbing the smuggling of uncustomed goods, protecting the country’s economy, and safeguarding public safety,” the statement emphasized.
The interception comes amid heightened efforts by security agencies to monitor and disrupt the smuggling of uncustomed goods across various regions.
Ethanol, often targeted in such illegal schemes, is a controlled substance whose unregulated distribution can fuel the production of illicit brews and deny the state significant revenue from customs duties.
