Police officers from Lari Sub-County Headquarters have intercepted a tanker along Nairobi–Nakuru Highway that was transporting 10,000 litres of industrial ethanol.

Authorities suspect the lorry may have been destined to ferry the substance to an illicit alcohol manufacturing operation in Nairobi.

Confirming the incident, Kiambu County Commissioner George Matundura said three occupants of the tanker were arrested and are expected to assist investigative agencies with crucial information.

Matundura said samples of the substance have been taken to the Government Chemist for analysis to authenticate whether it is indeed industrial ethanol. If the consignment reached its destined place, Matundura says it could have led to the production of second-generation alcoholic drinks with an estimated street value of KSh28 million.

Meanwhile, Kiambu County Police Commander Kennedy Samani has ordered the establishment of police roadblocks along major roads entering the county. The move, he says, will enable law enforcement officers to inspect vehicles and prevent the transportation of illicit substances.

Police said the tanker had been camouflaged as a fuel-transportation vehicle.