Kenyan authorities have made a significant bust in their fight against narcotics, arresting five suspects and confiscating over 582 kilogrammes of suspected cannabis. The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) led the operations, which took place in Kisumu, Kisii, and Nairobi counties. These operations also resulted in the recovery of 1,002 rolls of bhang and 40 dozen packets of suspected uncustomed cigarettes. The seizures were made possible through intelligence-led operations and tips from members of the public.
In Kisumu, detectives intercepted a Toyota Axio at Kisumu Boys Roundabout after the driver allegedly ignored orders to stop. Officers were forced to fire one round at the vehicle’s front left tyre, deflating it, and during the ensuing commotion, the driver escaped. However, the co-driver, 21-year-old Frida Night Odour, was arrested while attempting to flee. A search of the vehicle uncovered 282.55 kilogrammes of suspected cannabis sativa packed in seven sacks with an estimated street value of Ksh8.65 million.
The Kisumu operation also led to the recovery of 40 dozen packets of suspected uncustomed Supermatch cigarettes valued at Ksh40,000. In a separate operation at Keumbu Trading Centre in Kisii County, officers arrested 32-year-old Elijah Amisi Mogire after raiding a house following a tip-off from a member of the public. The search led to the recovery of seven sacks containing approximately 300 kilogrammes of suspected cannabis.
In Nairobi, three suspects were arrested during an intelligence-led operation at Jericho Estate in Buruburu. A multi-agency team led by Jogoo Road Police Station officers raided a two-bedroom house occupied by three people, recovering 1,002 rolls of suspected bhang concealed in a black polythene bag. The consignment comprised 936 brown rolls and 66 red rolls, with an estimated street value of Ksh5,750.
The suspects arrested in Nairobi were identified as Noah James Kariuli, Calvin Malibo, and Brian Ndolo. They were booked at Jogoo Road Police Station. All five suspects, including Frida Night Odour and Elijah Amisi Mogire, remain in custody pending arraignment in court. The Directorate of Criminal Investigations has secured all recovered exhibits.
The successful operations demonstrate the efforts of Kenyan law enforcement agencies to combat the trafficking and possession of illicit substances. The DCI has been working closely with other agencies to disrupt and dismantle narcotics trafficking networks across the country. These efforts aim to curb the proliferation of narcotics and their negative impacts on society.
The seized substances and arrested suspects are set to be presented in court, where charges related to possession and trafficking of narcotics will be pursued. The cases highlight the ongoing challenges related to drug abuse and trafficking in Kenya and the commitment of authorities to address these issues through sustained operations and enforcement actions.
Key points
- Five suspects arrested in connection with the seized cannabis.
- Over 582kg of suspected cannabis seized in operations across three counties.
- Recovered exhibits secured, and suspects pending arraignment in court.
