Three people were arrested on Thursday, October 30, 2026, after National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) officers raided a suspected bhang distribution point in Nairobi's Jericho Estate, Buruburu Sub-County. Acting on an intelligence tip-off, officers descended on a two-bedroom residential property and conducted a thorough search. The raid resulted in the arrest of the three occupants present at the time.
During the search, NACADA officers recovered 936 brown rolls of dry plant material suspected to be bhang, along with 66 red rolls concealed inside a black polythene bag, bringing the total seizure to 1,002 rolls. A bunch of keys found in the house's store was also taken in as part of the ongoing investigation. The three arrested suspects were booked at Jogoo Road Police Station under OB No. 39/30/10/2026.
The arrested suspects are expected to appear before a court on Monday, November 2, 2026. NACADA Chief Executive Officer Dr. Anthony Omerikwa stated that the operation delivered an unambiguous signal to those profiting from the drug trade within residential communities. He emphasized that traffickers who target young people have nowhere to hide.
Dr. Omerikwa added that the crackdown would extend well beyond Thursday's arrests. He mentioned that NACADA is working hand in hand with the National Police Service, and they will pursue every link in the supply chain until residential estates are safe. The operation is part of a broader anti-drug strategy to disrupt supply at street level.
Bhang remains among the most widely abused substances in Kenya. The Jericho raid illustrates how traffickers increasingly embed operations inside ordinary residential settings, often in proximity to schools, markets, and areas frequented by young people. Disrupting supply at street level is a cornerstone of NACADA's enforcement approach.
Residents of Jericho welcomed the intervention, expressing hope that the operation would signal a lasting change for families seeking to raise children away from drug-related harm. Authorities confirmed that the operation is ongoing, and members of the public with information on drug trafficking are encouraged to contact NACADA's toll-free helpline on 1192 or report to the nearest police station.
The successful operation is a result of collaboration between NACADA and the National Police Service. The authorities' efforts aim to create a safe environment for Kenyan residents, particularly the youth, by curbing the drug trade in residential areas. The public is urged to continue providing intelligence to help combat the issue.
Key points
- NACADA arrested 3 suspects and seized 1,002 rolls of suspected bhang in a raid on a Nairobi residential property.
- The operation was part of a broader anti-drug strategy to disrupt supply at street level.
- Authorities are working together to pursue every link in the supply chain and make residential estates safe.
