JUJA, Kenya — The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) has seized narcotics valued at an estimated Sh3 million following a coordinated daylight operation in Juja, Kiambu County, as authorities intensify the fight against drug trafficking during the festive season.
The raid was conducted in the Backstreet area of Kimbo, a location security agencies have identified as a major drug distribution hub within Juja. The operation was jointly carried out by officers from NACADA, the Anti-Narcotics Unit (ANU) and the National Police Service (NPS).
During the operation, officers arrested a suspected drug dealer identified as John Ndungu, while a second suspect, known only as Peter, managed to escape. Police have since launched a manhunt for the fugitive.
A search of the premises led to the recovery of more than 4,800 rolls of bhang (cannabis) and 75 sealed sachets of cannabis, all packaged and ready for retail distribution. Investigators also seized transaction record books believed to document drug sales worth millions of shillings.
Authorities say the records point to a well-organised trafficking network, suggesting that the suspects were part of a broader supply and distribution chain operating beyond Juja.
Investigations are now underway to trace the source of the narcotics and identify additional individuals linked to the operation.
NACADA Chief Executive Officer Dr Anthony Omerikwa said the Juja operation marks the start of intensified enforcement measures during the festive season, a period often associated with increased drug and substance abuse.
“This operation marks the beginning of sustained crackdowns during the festive season,” Dr Omerikwa said.
“We are determined to dismantle drug networks that continue to harm our communities, and we will pursue traffickers relentlessly.”
He noted that festive periods often present opportunities for traffickers to expand their market due to increased social gatherings and mobility, making enforcement efforts critical.
Dr Omerikwa also appealed to members of the public to actively support the fight against narcotics by reporting suspicious activities in their neighbourhoods.
“Community vigilance remains critical in the fight against drugs,” he said.
“Suspicious movements, unusual activities at odd hours or unfamiliar traffic in residential areas should be reported. The public can confidentially reach us through the NACADA toll-free hotline 1192.”
The seized drugs have been secured as exhibits, while forensic and intelligence-led investigations continue to establish the full extent of the trafficking network and facilitate further arrests.
The arrested suspect is expected to be arraigned in court on Monday to face charges related to drug trafficking under Kenyan law.
The Juja raid comes amid renewed government efforts to curb the proliferation of illicit drugs, particularly in urban and peri-urban centres where young people are considered most vulnerable to substance abuse.
According to NACADA, sustained multi-agency operations, combined with community cooperation, are essential to disrupting drug supply chains and reducing the social and economic harm caused by narcotics.
Authorities have warned that similar operations will be conducted in other identified hotspots across the country in the coming weeks as part of a broader national strategy to combat drug trafficking and abuse.
