Suspected drug traffickers abandon cannabis stash, motorbike in Kitui

Two suspected cannabis traffickers abandoned their consignment and motorcycle before fleeing into a bush in Kwa Vonza, Kitui County, on Thursday afternoon following a pursuit by officers from the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) and anti-narcotics officers.

The suspects, who had reportedly been under surveillance for days, were intercepted by NACADA officers working in collaboration with the Kwa Vonza Divisional Criminal Investigation Officer (DCIO).

The multi-agency team had traced the duo from Kitui town, where they were seen heading towards Machakos on a motorcycle.

At about 3 pm, the two suspects were spotted approaching a police barrier mounted along the route. Officers signalled them to stop for a routine check, but they allegedly defied the directive and sped off, prompting a chase.

As officers closed in, the suspects abandoned the motorcycle, which was carrying the suspected narcotics, and fled on foot into the surrounding bush.

The motorcycle and the seized narcotics were taken to Kwa Vonza Police Station before being transferred to Kitui Police Station for documentation. The items were booked as investigations continue and police pursue the fleeing suspects.

Commenting on the operation, NACADA Chief Executive Officer Anthony Omerikwa said the area where the suspects were headed is home to South Eastern Kenya University, adding that investigators suspect the traffickers may have intended to target university students.

The traffickers were clearly targeting higher learning institutions, putting our young people at risk. The Authority continues to conduct intelligence-led multi-agency operations to weed out criminals polluting learning environments, especially now that schools and institutions of higher learning are back in session,” Dr Omerikwa warned.

He reiterated NACADA’s commitment to dismantling drug networks and urged members of the public to report suspicious activities.