The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has uncovered a new concealment method allegedly used by suspected illicit traders to hide ethanol and tobacco from enforcement officers.

🇰🇪 Breaking It Down

KRA officers from the North Rift Valley region conducted a joint operation with police officers from Baringo Central Police Station in Baringo County.

Acting on intelligence, the multi-agency team raided the residence of a suspected illicit ethanol trader but encountered difficulties accessing the compound, which had more than six gates.

"Accessing the homestead proved challenging, as the compound had more than six gates, apparently designed to restrict access and frustrate enforcement efforts," KRA said on Wednesday, September 16.

📌 What You Need to Know

After several attempts, the officers finally entered the compound and conducted a thorough search of the premises where they discovered a secret underground room beneath the floor of a bathroom.

The officers learnt that the hidden chamber was allegedly constructed to conceal suspected illicit products to allow the trader to keep the goods from being discovered by the police.

“The hidden chamber demonstrates the increasingly sophisticated measures employed by illicit traders to evade detection and conceal prohibited goods,” KRA said.

During the operation, the enforcement team seized nine 30-litre jerricans containing suspected ethanol, 40 sachets containing 200ml each of suspected ethanol and six kilograms of tobacco.

KRA officers estimated the value of the seized goods at Ksh226,292, with the government standing to lose Ksh170,212 in taxes if the products entered the market.

However, despite recovery of the items, the suspected trader escaped during the operation, with KRA stating that efforts to arrest him are underway.

📰 Source: Kenyans.co.ke