Butere drug bust: Suspect arrested as 155kg cannabis seized in village raid

A suspected drug trafficker has been arrested in Butere Sub-County following an operation by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations officers, who also recovered a large quantity of cannabis sativa from a residential property.

According to a statement issued on April 22, the operation was conducted after officers received a tip-off about suspected drug-related activities in Ebushitinji village, Lunza division.

The security team moved to the homestead, where a search was carried out.

During the operation, officers recovered five large bags of the prohibited substance. When weighed, the narcotics amounted to 155 kilogrammes.

The suspect was taken to Butere Police Station, where he is undergoing processing pending arraignment in court.

Authorities indicated that the seized narcotics are being held as exhibits as investigations continue.

In its communication, the agency stressed that individuals involved in the trade would be pursued regardless of location, stating there is “no hiding place for those who poison our society.”

The arrest comes amid a broader nationwide crackdown targeting narcotics trafficking networks. In recent days, law enforcement officers have conducted a series of intelligence-led operations in different parts of the country, leading to multiple arrests and seizures.

On April 20, the agency reported several operations carried out in Nakuru, Bungoma, and Elgeyo Marakwet counties.

In Nakuru, officers on patrol intercepted an individual found with cannabis sativa concealed in a backpack. The agency noted that the suspect had intended to distribute the drugs, but the plan was disrupted before execution.

In Bungoma County, officers acting on a tip-off intercepted a motorcycle and recovered four bales of bhang. In a separate operation in Kaptalamwa, Elgeyo Marakwet, another suspect was found in possession of 172 rolls of bhang.

All individuals arrested in those incidents are in custody and undergoing processing ahead of court appearances. The recovered substances have also been secured as exhibits.

The agency said the operations are part of ongoing efforts to curb the spread of illegal drugs, which it described as a threat to communities. It added that the actions “underscore the National Police Service's commitment in the war against narcotics trafficking in the country.”

Authorities continue to urge members of the public to share information that may assist in identifying and disrupting drug trafficking activities, as investigations into the Butere case and other related operations proceed.