NAIROBI, Kenya — Three people have been arrested along the Nairobi–Mombasa highway after police intercepted a trailer carrying more than 200 kilogrammes of cannabis, with an estimated street value of Sh6.1 million.
The arrests were made in the Bonje area, where a multi-agency team led by the Anti-Narcotics Unit intercepted a trailer registered KDL 915L.
Those taken into custody are identified as Mohamed Omondi (49), Lilian Achieng (36), and Patrick Wambua (30).
Jomvu Sub-County Police Commander Celina Chirchir said the operation followed intelligence received from the public.
“We received information that a lorry suspected of ferrying narcotics was heading towards Mombasa. Officers mounted an operation from as early as 4:00 am and intercepted the trailer along the highway,” Chirchir said.
Upon searching the vehicle, officers found three sacks of cannabis and the three occupants, who were not authorised to be on the trailer.
The lorry, believed to have entered Kenya from Uganda through the Malaba border, was reportedly heading to the Coast via Thika. The driver told police he had travelled to Thika to deliver chicken feed.
Chirchir revealed that one of the suspects, a woman, had been on police radar for some time and was reportedly using multiple identities to evade arrest.
During the operation, authorities recovered what they believe is her genuine national identification card.
“She has been of interest to us for a long period. Investigations showed she was using different names, but we were able to establish her true identity during this arrest,” Chirchir said.
Police noted that traffickers are increasingly using heavy commercial vehicles to transport drugs, believing such vehicles are less likely to be inspected during routine patrols.
The trailer driver is also expected to face charges for carrying unauthorised passengers, which contravenes company regulations.
The suspects and seized drugs were initially taken to Jomvu Police Station, later transferred to the regional headquarters, and finally booked at Central Police Station. They are expected to be arraigned in court as investigations continue.
