NAIROBI, Kenya — Police have intercepted consignments of cannabis sativa in two separate operations along the Nairobi–Nakuru highway and at the Malaba border point, in a coordinated crackdown targeting narcotics trafficking networks.
In the first operation, detectives from the Anti-Narcotics Unit (ANU) and the Transnational Organised Crime Unit (TOCU) stopped a Daihatsu Mira, registration number KDH 389A, along the busy highway after receiving a tip-off.
The vehicle, which was reportedly travelling from Busia to Nairobi, was subjected to a search that led to the discovery of several bales of cannabis sativa concealed inside.
The driver, identified as Sylvester Kiiru Mwangi, was arrested at the scene, and the narcotics were seized before they could reach their intended destination.
In a separate incident, officers based at Malaba Police Station disrupted another attempted smuggling operation targeting cross-border drug movement.
Police intercepted a 31-year-old Ugandan national, identified as Julius Okadapao, at the Posta area in Malaba after noticing suspicious behaviour.
According to officers, the suspect was carrying a box and a briefcase that appeared unusually heavy for a regular traveller, prompting a search.
A quick inspection led to the recovery of 17 bales of cannabis sativa, which had been carefully wrapped and concealed.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the seized narcotics were destined for Nairobi, where they were allegedly to be distributed within the local drug market.
Police say both suspects are currently in custody as they undergo processing ahead of arraignment in court.
Security agencies have intensified operations against narcotics trafficking across major transport corridors and border points, which have increasingly been identified as key transit routes for illicit drugs entering urban centres.
Authorities say coordinated intelligence-led operations will continue as part of broader efforts to dismantle drug distribution networks and curb the spread of narcotics in the country.
The crackdown comes amid ongoing concerns over the rise in drug trafficking cases, particularly along transport highways linking border towns to Nairobi, which remains a major consumption hub.
