Police nab suspect with Sh13m bhang haul in Keiyo South

The car that was seized by police with 7 bags of bhang displayed at the Kamwosor police station in Keiyo South/MATHEWS NDANYI

Senior security officers addressing residents of Kamwosor where the drugs were seized./MATHEWS NDANYI

Residents at Kamwosor where the drugs were seized./MATHEW NDANYI

Police in Keiyo South have arrested a suspect who was found ferrying seven bags of bhang valued at more than Sh13 million.

The 33-year-old man was transporting the drugs from Busia to Nairobi, and the vehicle he was driving was intercepted at Kamwosor along the Eldoret–Ravine Road.

Keiyo South OCPD Laura David said the suspect was arrested last night after police mounted a roadblock following a tip-off from members of the public.

“We had information about a vehicle that appeared to be carrying suspicious items, and our officers swung into action and managed to intercept it,” she said.

Laura said the car had all its seats removed except the driver’s seat to create space for the illegal consignment.

The police boss said they had intelligence indicating that those engaging in the illegal trade were now using the Ravine route to avoid the Eldoret–Nakuru Highway, which has increased police checks.

“Let them know that the National Police Service is alert everywhere in this country, and they will not use our area as a transit route for illegal or criminal activities,” she said.

She added that the suspect had been handed over to the Anti-Narcotics Unit for processing ahead of his arraignment at a court in Iten town.

Laura said her team would remain active in the fight against drugs and alcohol abuse.

“These drugs have been used to ruin the lives of our youth, and we will not allow those involved to continue with such illegal activities,” she said.

The arrest comes as counties in the North Rift step up a crackdown on those involved in the sale of illicit alcohol and drugs.

In neighbouring Uasin Gishu, more than 130 people have been arrested in the past two weeks in connection with illicit alcohol and drugs. Most of them are linked to illicit alcohol, while ten others are connected to the sale of second-generation alcohol in the region.

Uasin Gishu County Commissioner Dr Edisson Nyale and county police commander Benjamin Mwanthi said ten other suspects were linked to drugs, especially bhang.

Dr Nyale said a fresh crackdown had been launched targeting those involved in the sale of alcohol and drugs, with a special focus on college students.

He also revealed that authorities would crack down on bar operators who display alcohol brands in their premises but sell other substances and drugs behind the counter.

“We will cancel the licences of such bar operators because they are part of the criminal network that is ruining our people,” Dr Nyale said.

He added that they were working with the county government to inspect bars and ensure they only sell the drinks on display.

Mwanthi said a multi-agency team had been formed to work with the county government in the renewed crackdown on drugs and illicit alcohol.

He added that one of the key dealers involved in brewing illicit alcohol in the region was among those arrested and had already been charged in court.

“We will not relent in the crackdown, and we have mobilised our officers in all sub-counties to ensure it continues in all areas,” Mwanthi said.

The crackdown follows President William Ruto’s declaration of war on drugs, including proposals for tougher penalties for hard drug traffickers and stricter laws to combat substance abuse.