KRA intercepts 6000L of suspected ethanol worth Ksh.2.2M tax on Thika Road

The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) officers have intercepted suspected 6,000 litres of ethanol that had been smuggled into the country.

The goods that were found on on Thika Road have an estimated tax value of Ksh. 2,224,875.

They were packed in 25 drums and concealed inside a lorry transporting 50 bags of maize each weighing 90kg.

On Thursday, April 15, at Juja within Kiambu County, KRA officers received information that Directorate of Criminal Investigations Officers (DCIO) based in Kayole had seized a Mitsubishi FH lorry with 25 drums 250 litres of a colourless liquid suspected to be ethanol.

Customs Officers rushed to the scene and with assistance of DCIO conducted a full verification of the goods to confirm the description and quantities conveyed by the above truck.

The verification confirmed the colourless liquid to be ethanol. The driver of the lorry, Charles Kanyuga Gitonga, was arrested and will be arraigned in court.

Being in possession of uncustomed goods is a violation of law under section 200 (d)(iii) as read with section 210 (c) of the East African Community Customs Management Act (EACCMA), 2004. Conveying uncustomed goods is also a crime under section 199(b)(iii) of the same law- EACCMA, 2004.

Punishment upon conviction on the two offenses is imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years or to a fine equal to fifty percent of the dutiable value of the goods involved and a fine not exceeding $5000 (Ksh. 539,750).

The law states that the vehicle and goods in respect of which such offense has been committed shall be liable to forfeiture in the case of the vehicle owner is charged respectively.

KRA said in collaboration with other government agencies, it continues to be vigilant at all ports of entry to curb trade of illicit goods and other transnational economic crimes.

Taxpayers have been encouraged to pay their taxes and remain compliant with tax laws in order to avoid punitive enforcement measures including prosecution.

KRA said it is building taxpayers trust through facilitation to compliance and endeavours to make taxpaying experience better through provision of a courteous and professional service.