Kenyan authorities intercepted a motor vehicle in Webuye, Bungoma county, and recovered four concealed bales of suspected cannabis on Monday, November 9. The National Police Service (NPS) conducted the operation following actionable intelligence. The officers discovered the bales inside the vehicle and arrested two suspects. The NPS stated that the operation was part of their efforts to disrupt the transportation and distribution of illicit drugs across the country.
The two suspects were placed in police custody, and the vehicle was detained for further investigations. The NPS did not disclose the suspects' identities, ages, or the vehicle's registration details. The route used by the vehicle and the intended destination of the consignment also remain unknown. The recovered material was described as suspected cannabis, and further investigations will aim to establish the circumstances surrounding its transportation.
The interception is part of the police service's sustained action against drug trafficking. The NPS warned that those found culpable would be held accountable. The service is pursuing credible leads as part of its efforts to combat drug trafficking. Kenya's Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Control) Act provides for offences related to the possession of narcotic drugs and trafficking.
The law sets out penalties for trafficking in narcotic drugs, with the applicable penalty linked to the quantity involved. The Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Control) Amendment Act of 2022 introduced amendments to the penalties. However, the police have not disclosed the weight of the suspected cannabis recovered or indicated the specific charges the suspects may face.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Anti-Narcotics Unit is responsible for investigating drug-related cases. The unit works with local and international organisations to combat drug-related offences. The ongoing investigations aim to establish the circumstances surrounding the transportation of the suspected cannabis and determine whether other individuals were involved.
The two suspects remain in custody pending processing and arraignment in court. The NPS did not state whether the Webuye operation resulted in other arrests or if investigators are pursuing additional suspects. The investigations will also aim to determine the intended destination of the consignment and the individuals involved in its movement or distribution.
The National Police Service remains committed to sustained action against drug trafficking. The service ensures that every credible lead is pursued and that those found culpable are brought to account. The Webuye operation demonstrates the police service's efforts to intensify its fight against drug trafficking in the country.
Key points
- Two suspects were arrested and four bales of suspected cannabis were seized in Webuye, Kenya.
- The National Police Service conducted an intelligence-led operation to intercept the suspected cannabis consignment.
- The suspects are pending processing and arraignment, while investigations into the consignment continue.
