12 arrested as police smash suspected fuel theft cartel

Nyanza Regional Police Commander Willy Lugusa inspects fuel netted in a site near Otonglo Estate. About 10,000 litres of petroleum products were recovered during the swoop. [Photo: Collins Oduor/Standard]

Police have arrested 12 people and impounded petroleum products from sites believed to be used for illegal business.

Among the products taken are 10,000 litres of kerosene and 370 litres of super petroleum kept in underground tanks and jerrycans at Otonglo Estate along the Kisumu-Busia road. The Sunday night swoop, which also saw eight generators and empty tanks used for storing the products recovered, has now put on the spot fuel transporters who have been accused of stealing fuel on transit.