Police in Kisumu County on Sunday recovered a consignment of cannabis sativa after a vehicle carrying the illicit substance veered off the Chemelil-Miwani-Kisumu Road and overturned at Ombeyi Junction.
Officers from Miwani Police Station responded to a distress call and found the vehicle in a ditch. The occupants had fled the scene after members of the public came to their assistance.
According to the National Police Service (NPS), officers who arrived at the scene established that the vehicle had been transporting a consignment of cannabis sativa.
Members of the public who had gathered at the scene reportedly assisted the occupants of the vehicle before they fled.
“The scene was promptly secured, processed, and documented, while the vehicle was towed to Miwani Police Station for further investigations. The recovered cannabis sativa has been secured as an exhibit and is awaiting examination and further police action,” the NPS said in a statement.
Police said investigations were underway to establish how the consignment was being transported and identify the people behind its movement.
“Investigations are ongoing to establish the source, intended destination, and ownership of the illicit consignment, as well as to identify and bring to justice all persons involved in its transportation and distribution.”
The occupants of the vehicle had fled by the time police secured the scene, leaving detectives to rely on the ongoing investigations to establish their identities and possible involvement in the transportation of the drugs.
The recovery comes as police continue efforts to disrupt the movement and distribution of illicit drugs across the country.
The NPS said the interception of the cannabis consignment formed part of broader efforts to dismantle networks involved in the illegal drug trade and protect communities from the effects of drug trafficking.
“The National Police Service remains resolute in its fight against the trafficking and distribution of illicit drugs. Every consignment intercepted represents a step towards protecting communities from the devastating effects of drugs, while strengthening ongoing efforts to dismantle the networks that profit from the illegal trade,” the service said.
The vehicle was towed to Miwani Police Station, where it will remain part of the investigation as officers seek to establish its ownership and the circumstances surrounding the transportation of the cannabis.
Police have not disclosed the quantity of cannabis recovered from the vehicle or whether any suspects had been arrested by the time of the statement.
The NPS urged members of the public to assist investigators by reporting suspicious activities linked to drug trafficking and distribution.
It provided toll-free emergency numbers and channels through which members of the public can share information, including 911 and 999. Information can also be submitted through the DCI's Fichua Kwa DCI line on 0800 722 203 or via WhatsApp on 0709 570 000.
The investigation is expected to establish the source and intended destination of the consignment and identify those responsible for its transportation and distribution.