Recovered cannabis/DCI XAt least one suspect has been arrested, and consignments of suspected cannabis sativa seized in Kitui and Homa Bay counties as police intensify a crackdown on narcotics trafficking, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has said.
According to the DCI, the operations targeted the suspected movement and storage of narcotics in the two counties. Officers recovered cannabis from a passenger travelling in a public service vehicle and from a rental house.
In Kitui, officers conducting a snap security check along the Machakos–Kitui Highway intercepted a PSV matatu at Mulutu.
The vehicle was headed towards Kitui when officers stopped it for a security check. Officers then searched the passengers and their luggage as part of the operation.
"A search of passengers and their luggage turned up a consignment of cannabis sativa tucked away in a carrier bag. The passenger found in possession was arrested on the spot," the agency stated.
The passenger was taken into police custody as investigations into the suspected narcotics trafficking continued.
The DCI said the seizure was part of ongoing efforts to disrupt the movement of narcotics through transport routes connecting different parts of the country. The agency did not disclose the quantity of cannabis recovered from the passenger.
In Homa Bay, officers conducting a separate operation raided a rental house at Litare Beach in Rusinga.
The operation led to the recovery of another consignment of suspected cannabis sativa.
"Officers raided a rental house at Litare Beach, Rusinga, where they recovered another consignment of suspected cannabis sativa hidden in nylon sacks," the authorities said.
The occupant of the rental house was not at the premises when officers arrived.
The DCI said the suspect had fled before the officers conducted the raid and was being pursued.
The two operations form part of a wider effort by law enforcement agencies to target the supply and distribution of narcotics across the country.
The DCI said officers would continue pursuing suspected traffickers and disrupting the networks involved in the illicit trade.
“As the crackdown continues law enforcement officers remain hot on the heels of narcotics traffickers, determined to dismantle the supply chains and bring those fuelling the illicit trade to book,” the agency said.
The latest seizures come as authorities continue to target narcotics trafficking routes and suspected storage points used by dealers.
Authorities have urged those involved in the illicit trade to stop the movement and distribution of narcotics as security agencies step up efforts to disrupt the supply chains.
