KITALE, Kenya — Authorities in Trans Nzoia County have intensified their crackdown on illicit drugs following an intelligence-led raid in Talau that led to the arrest of a 22-year-old suspect and the seizure of two sacks of suspected bhang.
The operation was conducted by the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) in collaboration with the National Police Service, as part of ongoing efforts to dismantle drug networks and protect young people from substance abuse.
NACADA Chief Executive Officer Anthony Omerikwa said the raid was driven by actionable intelligence and reflects strengthened coordination between enforcement agencies.
“This operation is a direct result of actionable intelligence and seamless collaboration between NACADA and law enforcement. Our message is clear: we are watching, and we will not allow our children to become collateral damage in the profit-driven schemes of traffickers,” Omerikwa said.
Officers uprooted the suspected cannabis from a residential compound in Talau before arresting the suspect believed to be linked to its cultivation. He remains in custody as investigations continue.
The enforcement action comes amid heightened concern over drug exposure among young people, particularly during school holidays when supervision may be limited. Omerikwa warned that traffickers often exploit such periods to target vulnerable youth.
“Drug traffickers take advantage of unstructured time when schools are closed. We are countering this by intensifying our ground presence, working with local communities, and dismantling networks one operation at a time,” he said.
He urged parents and guardians to remain vigilant and actively monitor their children’s activities, noting that prevention begins at the household level.
The agency also called on members of the public to report suspicious activity through its toll-free helpline, 1192, emphasising the role of anonymous reporting in supporting enforcement.
A local resident, who requested anonymity, welcomed the operation and credited ongoing awareness campaigns with improving community vigilance.
“We now know what to look for and where to report. NACADA’s presence has given us courage. Today’s operation proves that our voices are being heard,” the resident said.
NACADA reaffirmed its commitment to sustained enforcement, warning that similar operations will continue in other regions as part of efforts to dismantle supply chains and disrupt trafficking networks.
