Police seize 10, 000 litres of methanol in Taita-Taveta, two arrested

Taita-Taveta, Kenya: Police have confiscated 10,000 litres of methanol and arrested two people in Taita-Taveta County.

Detectives believe that the substance, linked to several deaths in the country, was destined to illegal alcohol traders.

Over 180 people have died in several parts of the country after consuming illicit alcohol that the anti-narcotic agency in the country said are laced with methanol.

Police said the suspects are the driver and the turn boy of the canter lorry that was transporting the chemical Tuesday night. They had been packed in 40 blue plastic drums of 250 litres.

The chemical was then stashed inside 40 bags of maize  and 10 bags of wheat husks.

Documents seen by The Standard indicate that the lorry was cleared by the Loitokitok Public Health officials to carry maize to Machakos but changed route to Taveta.

Police have launched a manhunt for the public health officer who inspected and authorized the transportation of the maize.

County Police Commander Richard Bitonga and Taveta OCPD Gababa Darso said the suspects were arrested by police at Malikiroriti area in the outskirts of Taveta town as they were heading towards Voi town.