Cops recover 7 sacks of cannabis as suspect escapes in Lang'ata

Seven sacks stuffed with cannabis sativa /HANDOUT

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations has recovered a large consignment of cannabis sativa during a raid in Nairobi’s Lang’ata area as detectives intensify a crackdown on drug trafficking networks operating within the city.

In a statement on Friday, the DCI said officers drawn from the Anti-Narcotics Unit at the agency’s headquarters acted on intelligence reports linking individuals in the area to the illegal drug trade.

The operation was carried out in Lang’ata, where detectives stormed a residential house believed to have been used as a storage and distribution point for narcotics.

According to investigators, officers were initially received by a male suspect who appeared cooperative before suddenly attempting to escape.

“Upon arrival, officers knocked on the gate, only to be met by a male suspect, who initially seemed cooperative. However, in a desperate bid to escape, he feigned a search for the keys and made a run for it through a back window, evading capture,” the DCI said.

Moments later, a woman opened the gate, allowing detectives to gain access to the premises and conduct a search.

During the operation, officers recovered seven sacks stuffed with Cannabis Sativa hidden inside servant quarters within the compound.

Detectives also recovered two weighing scales and a roll of yellow tape believed to have been used to package the narcotics.

Investigators searched the main house where they discovered two carton boxes containing Rizla rolling papers, a mobile phone and several documents believed to be linked to the suspected drug trafficking operation.

The DCI said the recovery pointed to what detectives suspect is a well-coordinated distribution network.

“From the main house, detectives recovered two carton boxes brimming with Rizla rolling papers, a mobile phone and a cache of assorted documents, all pointing to a sophisticated operation,” the agency said.

All the recovered items were transported to the DCI headquarters exhibits store for safe custody as investigations continue.

Meanwhile, detectives have launched a manhunt for the suspect who escaped during the raid.

The agency reiterated its commitment to dismantling drug trafficking syndicates and urged members of the public to continue sharing information on suspicious activities within their neighbourhoods.

The operation comes amid increased anti-narcotics operations across different parts of the country targeting the supply and distribution of illegal drugs.

Similarly, in another recent case, two suspected cannabis traffickers abandoned their consignment and motorcycle before fleeing into a bush in Kwa Vonza, Kitui county, during a pursuit by officers from the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse and anti-narcotics police officers.

The suspects had reportedly been under surveillance for several days before they were intercepted by a multi-agency team working with officers from the Kwa Vonza Divisional Criminal Investigation Office.

Authorities said the suspects were spotted travelling from Kitui town towards Machakos on a motorcycle before they encountered a police barrier mounted along the route.

Officers signalled them to stop for a routine inspection, but they allegedly sped off, triggering a chase.

As officers closed in, the two suspects reportedly abandoned the motorcycle carrying the suspected narcotics and escaped into nearby bushes.

The recovered motorcycle and the seized drugs were later taken to Kwa Vonza Police Station before being transferred to Kitui Police Station for documentation and further investigations.

Nacada chief executive officer Anthony Omerikwa warned that traffickers were increasingly targeting institutions of higher learning.

“The traffickers were clearly targeting higher learning institutions, putting our young people at risk,” he said.

Omerikwa said the authority would continue conducting intelligence-led operations to dismantle drug networks operating around schools and universities.