Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) officers are holding two trucks in Loitoktok intercepted ferrying contraband ethanol from Tanzania that would have seen the government lose Ksh 35 million in revenue.

The officers acting on a tip off intercepted the trucks bearing fake number plates at Kimana town, 20 kilometres from the Tarakea border point.

Each lorry was found having both Kenyan and Tanzania number plates being interchanged by necessity to hoodwink KRA authorities.

One truck driver was arrested while other truck occupants managed to escape the dragnet. He is being held at Loitoktok police station aiding in investigations.

The two trucks had successfully managed to smuggle into the country 288 drums of 250 litres each translating to 72,000 litres of the illicit commodity.

Loitoktok KRA manager Patrick Omondi said the contraband would have seen the government lose millions in taxes adding that the porous border has been promoting the illegal trade.

He urged traders to embrace paying taxes to the government as one facet towards boosting the ailing economy.

Mr Omondi said the KRA officers are working in collaboration with a multi agency security team to unearth the suspected multimillion ethanol racket.

On 23rd November KRA officers nabbed 119 drums of contraband ethanol of 250 litres each worth Ksh 14 million.

The consignment is being held at KRA loitoktok yard.