Kenyan police have made a significant seizure of cannabis in a nationwide crackdown on narcotics. Detectives from various agencies, including the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA), Crime Research and Intelligence Bureau (CRIB), Regional Drug Unit (RDU), and K-9 Unit, conducted coordinated operations in Kisumu, Kisii, and Nairobi. The operations resulted in the arrest of five suspects and the seizure of 582 kilogrammes of suspected cannabis sativa.
In Kisumu, a joint intelligence-led operation involving officers from NANIB Busia, NANIB Nyanza, and DCI Kisumu intercepted a saloon vehicle at Kisumu Boys Roundabout. The driver allegedly defied orders to stop, prompting officers to fire a round at the vehicle's front left tyre, forcing it to stop. The driver escaped during the ensuing commotion, but the co-driver, a 21-year-old woman, was arrested while attempting to flee. A search of the vehicle uncovered 282.55 kilogrammes of suspected cannabis packed in seven Manila sacks, alongside additional quantities found loosely packed inside the car.
The consignment seized in Kisumu was valued at Ksh8.65 million. Officers also recovered 40 dozen packets of suspected uncustomed Supermatch cigarettes worth Ksh40,000. The operations demonstrate the efforts of Kenyan authorities to combat the trafficking and possession of illicit substances. The seizures and arrests were made possible through intelligence-led operations and tips from members of the public.
In Kisii County, officers raided a house at Keumbu Trading Centre, recovering seven sacks containing approximately 300 kilogrammes of suspected cannabis. A 32-year-old suspect was arrested during the operation. The raid was conducted after receiving a tip-off from a member of the public, highlighting the role of community involvement in the fight against narcotics.
In Nairobi, a multi-agency team led by the Jogoo Road Officer Commanding Station (OCS) raided a two-bedroom house in Jericho Estate, Buruburu Sub-County. The search led to the recovery of 1,002 rolls of suspected bhang, comprising 936 brown rolls and 66 red rolls, with an estimated street value of Ksh5,750. Three suspects were arrested and detained at Jogoo Road Police Station.
The nationwide crackdown resulted in a total of 582kg of cannabis seized and five suspects arrested. Police say all recovered exhibits have been secured and the scenes documented, as the suspects remain in custody pending arraignment. The operations reflect the ongoing efforts of Kenyan law enforcement agencies to address the issue of narcotics.
The seizures made in Kisumu, Kisii, and Nairobi are a significant blow to traffickers and dealers of illicit substances. The estimated value of the seized cannabis and bhang is substantial, and the arrests demonstrate the commitment of authorities to enforcing the law. The collaboration between various agencies and the community has been crucial in achieving these results.
Key points
- Five suspects were arrested and 582kg of cannabis seized in nationwide operations.
- The seizures were valued at Ksh8.65 million and Ksh5,750 for cannabis and bhang respectively.
- The operations involved detectives from NACADA, CRIB, RDU, and K-9 Unit.
