A coordinated anti-narcotics operation across Nandi, Kiambu and Kisii counties has led to the arrest of four suspects and the recovery of cannabis valued at about Sh13.4 million as detectives intensify the fight against drug trafficking.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) said on Friday that the intelligence-led operations also resulted in the recovery of cash suspected to be proceeds from the illegal drug trade, with investigations continuing to identify and arrest more suspects linked to the trafficking network.
The biggest haul was made in Kaimosi, Nandi Central Sub-County, where officers from Kaimosi Police Station intercepted a sport utility vehicle believed to be transporting narcotics along the Chavakali-Kapsabet Road.
According to the DCI, detectives acted on intelligence that a sky-blue Mazda CX-5 was ferrying cannabis. They mounted an ambush and intercepted the vehicle, recovering seven sacks of cannabis weighing 271.3 kilogrammes.
However, the driver and another occupant escaped before they could be arrested, abandoning the vehicle at the scene.
"In Kaimosi, Nandi Central Sub-County, officers from Kaimosi police station intercepted an SUV loaded with cannabis valued at approximately Sh13.4 million. Acting on a tip-off, police set up an ambush for a sky-blue Mazda CX-5 believed to be transporting the illicit cargo along Chavakali-Kapsabet Road. Their efforts paid off as they intercepted the vehicle, uncovering seven sacks of cannabis tipping the scales at 271.3 kilogrammes. Unfortunately, the driver and his accomplice managed to evade capture, abandoning the vehicle at the scene," the DCI said.
In a separate operation at Ngariga Junction along the Nairobi-Nakuru Highway in Kiambu County, detectives from the Anti-Narcotics Unit (ANU) and the Transnational Organised Crime Unit (TOCU) stopped a public service vehicle during an operation targeting suspected drug traffickers.
Police arrested a 32-year-old passenger, Francis Oteba, after officers allegedly recovered five bales of bhang concealed inside a black travel bag.
Elsewhere in Kisii County, ANU detectives arrested three suspects during another operation targeting the illegal drug trade.
The suspects, identified as Nancy Moraa, Phylis Matundura Mogaka and Andrew Makokha Cheng'oli, were allegedly found in possession of 10 kilogrammes of bhang and Sh63,335 in cash suspected to be proceeds from narcotics trafficking.
"Meanwhile, in Kisii County, ANU detectives struck again, apprehending Nancy Moraa, Phylis Matundura Mogaka, and Andrew Makokha Cheng'oli. The trio was caught red-handed with 10 kilogrammes of bhang, alongside Sh63,335, suspected to be proceeds from their illicit activities," the agency added.
The DCI said the coordinated operations demonstrate the resolve of law enforcement agencies to dismantle organised narcotics networks and curb the illegal drug trade across the country.
"These coordinated operations reaffirm the unwavering commitment of law enforcement agencies to dismantle narcotics trafficking networks, disrupt the illicit drug trade, and protect communities from the devastating effects of drug abuse."
Investigations are ongoing as detectives pursue the suspects who escaped in Nandi and work to identify other individuals believed to be connected to the trafficking syndicates.