Four arrested in Athi River bhang crackdown as police tighten war on drugs

Seized drugs in Athi River, Machakos county on April 14, 2026.

A coordinated anti-narcotics raid in Athi River, Machakos County, has led to the arrest of four suspects linked to bhang trafficking in an operation targeting what authorities say is an expanding drug network in the area.

The suspects—three women and a man—were arrested on Tuesday after officers from the Anti-Narcotics Unit (ANU) and the Transnational Organised Crime Unit (TOCU) stormed their hideouts following intelligence reports.

The dawn operation led officers to two mabati houses in the Kisumu Ndogo slum within Athi River Township, as well as a rented residential unit at Ngimo Apartments, where multiple packages and bales of dry bhang were recovered.

The four were later taken into custody and escorted to Muthaiga Police Station in Nairobi, where they are being processed ahead of arraignment in court.

According to police, the crackdown is part of intensified operations targeting drug dealers and traffickers in the region amid rising concerns over substance abuse, particularly among young people.

Residents of Mlolongo and Athi River have repeatedly raised alarm over what they describe as a worrying surge in drug use, a concern echoed by teachers who say illicit substances have infiltrated some schools in the area.

Senior police officers in the region have acknowledged the challenge, saying efforts are underway to dismantle trafficking networks operating within Athi River Sub-County.

A senior police official told The Star that drug abuse remains a major threat, with some networks already penetrating learning institutions.

“Yes, drug and substance abuse is a major challenge in this area. It has penetrated into some of our schools. We are determined to dismantle the syndicate,” the officer said.

He added that several suspects have already been arrested and charged in court and some released on cash bail but warned that operations will continue relentlessly.

“The message is clear—those involved should either reform or leave the trade altogether and engage in legitimate business,” he said.

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) also reaffirmed its commitment to breaking drug trafficking networks and protecting communities, especially the youth, from the growing threat of narcotics.