NAIROBI, Kenya — Detectives have intensified the nationwide crackdown on narcotics trafficking, recovering cannabis worth an estimated Sh13.4 million and arresting several suspects during coordinated intelligence-led operations in Nandi, Kiambu and Kisii counties.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) said the operations targeted suspected drug trafficking networks as part of ongoing efforts to curb the production, transportation and distribution of illegal narcotics across the country.
The largest seizure was made in Kaimosi, Nandi Central Sub-county, where officers from Kaimosi Police Station intercepted a sport utility vehicle transporting cannabis along the Chavakali–Kapsabet Road.
Acting on intelligence from members of the public, police mounted an ambush and intercepted a sky-blue Mazda CX-5, recovering seven sacks of cannabis sativa weighing approximately 271.3 kilograms. The drugs are estimated to have a street value of Sh13.4 million.
However, the driver and an accomplice escaped after abandoning the vehicle at the scene. Police said efforts are underway to trace and arrest the two suspects.
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) intercepted a public service vehicle.
During the search, officers arrested Francis Oteba, 32, after allegedly finding five bales of cannabis concealed inside a black travel bag.
Meanwhile, in Kisii County, Anti-Narcotics Unit detectives arrested Nancy Moraa, Phylis Matundura Mogaka, and Andrew Makokha Cheng’oli after they were allegedly found in possession of 10 kilograms of cannabis.
Police also recovered Sh63,335, which investigators suspect to be proceeds of the illegal drug trade.
The DCI said the coordinated operations demonstrate the commitment of law enforcement agencies to dismantle narcotics trafficking syndicates and disrupt the illicit drug supply chain.
The agency noted that intelligence-led policing remains central to ongoing efforts to combat organised crime and protect communities from the harmful effects of narcotic drugs.