Police have arrested five people after being found with over three tonnes of suspected ethanol in Ochude, Teso South, Busia County.
The arrests were made by a multi-agency team comprising officials from the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) and officers from Adungosi Police Station.
The suspects, identified as Isaiah Keta (27), Patrick Limo (25), Chrispinus Ilukol (30), Kelvin Ochuka (32), and Isaac Omoit (19), were apprehended at a residence believed to be the distribution hub.
Authorities said they discovered 111 jerrycans, each holding 30 litres of ethanol. Fifty-three of the jerrycans were reportedly packed and ready for distribution.
The residence belongs to one Mildred Odongo, who, along with other associates, escaped arrest. Police reported that they are actively pursuing the suspects who escaped.
The multi-agency team recovered the vehicle used in the operation, a Toyota Probox with registration number KCY 332F and 3,330 litres of ethanol. The exhibits are under custody as investigations continue.
Meanwhile, police have vowed to intensify the crackdown on illegal ethanol distribution in the region.
