An overnight NACADA intelligence-led, multi-agency operation has targeted drug trafficking networks operating around learning institutions, following the arrest of a suspected cannabis trafficker in Njoro, Nakuru County.
The raid, conducted on Thursday night, saw enforcement officers move in on the suspect’s residence after weeks of surveillance and intelligence gathering linked him to the alleged supply of cannabis within the surrounding student settlements.
Officers recovered a large quantity of cannabis concealed in underground bunkers dug within the homestead. Additional consignments were found hidden inside domestic animal pens.
Investigators said the method appeared intended to mask the smell of cannabis and avoid detection during routine patrols.
The suspect was arrested at the scene and is in custody. Investigations are ongoing, with authorities seeking to identify and disrupt suspected supply chains believed to extend to other counties.
Speaking during the operation, NACADA Chief Executive Officer Dr Anthony Omerikwa said the Authority was focused on securing learning environments from drug trafficking, describing the protection of academic spaces as a key prevention strategy.
“We are deliberately targeting traffickers operating near schools, colleges, and universities because safe learning environments are central to prevention. When drugs infiltrate academic spaces, they destroy futures, compromise performance, and endanger lives,” he said.
Dr Omerikwa linked the operation to findings from NACADA’s recently released national survey on the status of drug use among university students, which showed that approximately 23%–26% of university students have used cannabis at least once in their lifetime.
He said the survey also established a transition pattern in substance use behaviour.
“Many users report first experimenting with cannabis in late secondary school or early university years. This transition risk directly contributes to declining academic performance among users and exposes them to life-threatening health consequences that can permanently derail their aspirations,” he stated.
The CEO said the Authority has intensified both supply and demand reduction strategies in line with the Presidential proclamation on the renewed national fight against drugs.
He added that enforcement operations are being complemented by prevention programmes, public education and community partnerships.
Thursday night’s seizure coincided with the launch of the National Substance Use Prevention Week Summit in Nairobi. Dr Omerikwa said this underscored the Authority’s approach of combining enforcement and prevention.
“While we convene stakeholders to strengthen prevention frameworks, our enforcement teams are simultaneously on the ground disrupting supply networks. This is a whole-of-government, whole-of-society war that we must win,” he added.
Authorities said the use of underground bunkers signals a shift in concealment tactics and warned that surveillance and intelligence operations around learning institutions will be intensified.
Investigations are ongoing. NACADA said it will continue pursuing traffickers operating near academic institutions as part of efforts to protect students from drug use.
Comments 0
Sign in to join the conversation
Sign In Create AccountNo comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!