KIAMBU, Kenya – Police have arrested three people after intercepting a lorry carrying approximately 10,000 litres of suspected uncustomed ethanol along the Nairobi-Nakuru Highway in Lari, Kiambu County.
The suspects were arrested on Friday, October 2, 2026, during a routine patrol by officers from Lari Sub-County as police intensified operations against the movement of contraband and other uncustomed goods.
The three were taken to Lari Police Station, where they are being held pending arraignment.
Lorry, Ethanol Detained As Exhibits
The National Police Service (NPS) said the lorry and the suspected ethanol were also detained at the police station as exhibits as investigations continue.
“Police officers from Lari Sub-County, on routine patrol along the Nairobi-Nakuru Highway on 2nd October 2026, intercepted a lorry carrying approximately 10,000 litres of suspected uncustomed ethanol,” the NPS said.
The service said the three suspects were placed in custody awaiting arraignment, while the vehicle and consignment remained at the station.
Police have not disclosed the origin or intended destination of the ethanol.
Investigators are expected to establish how the consignment was being transported and whether it was being moved in breach of customs requirements.
Police Intensify Crackdown On Contraband
The NPS said the interception formed part of ongoing nationwide operations targeting illicit brews, drugs, contraband and other uncustomed goods.
The latest operation comes amid heightened police surveillance of major road networks used to transport goods across the country.
The police service urged members of the public to provide information that could help identify and disrupt the movement of illegal goods.
“We urge members of the public to cooperate actively with our officers by sharing timely and actionable information at the nearest police station,” the NPS said.
Members of the public can report emergencies through the toll-free numbers 999 or 911.
The NPS also encouraged Kenyans to provide information through the Directorate of Criminal Investigations’ Fichua Kwa DCI platform.
