Recovered drugs/DCI XTwo people have been arrested in Kitui over suspected trafficking of cannabis sativa after police intercepted two separate consignments at a police station and along the Thika-Garissa Highway.
According to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), the first suspect was arrested at Kitui Police Station after officers discovered bhang hidden inside a parcel of rice allegedly intended for a remandee.
The DCI said the suspect attempted to take the parcel through the police station gates, but officers conducting checks noticed something unusual and inspected the contents.
“Sharp-eyed officers on duty peeled back the rice to expose 69 rolls of bhang and 33 matchsticks hidden within a parcel of rice meant for the inmate,” the DCI said.
The suspect was arrested at the station and taken into custody as investigations into the attempted smuggling continue.
In a separate incident, police intercepted another suspected narcotics consignment along the Thika-Garissa Highway at Kanyonyoo.
The DCI said a multi-agency security team manning a roadblock stopped a Public Service Vehicle travelling from Kitui to Embu as part of routine security checks.
Officers searched the vehicle’s luggage and discovered a pink briefcase in the rear boot. The briefcase was allegedly linked to the second suspect, who was travelling in the vehicle.
“Inside lay 13 bales of cannabis sativa, tightly wrapped in yellow sealing tape,” the agency stated.
The second suspect was arrested at the scene and taken into custody pending further investigations and arraignment.
The DCI said the two consignments were seized and would be retained as exhibits as investigations continue.
Both suspects remain in custody and are expected to face court proceedings once investigations are completed.
The arrests came as security agencies stepped up efforts to disrupt the movement of narcotics through the region.
The DCI said it continues to work with other law-enforcement agencies to disrupt drug trafficking networks and prevent the movement of illicit substances.
“The DCI remains steadfast in the fight against narcotics trafficking, working with other law-enforcement agencies to disrupt drug networks, seize illicit consignments and bring traffickers to justice,” the statement added.
The latest arrests add to ongoing efforts by security agencies to detect and intercept suspected drug trafficking activities through road checks and other operations.
Police have urged members of the public to remain vigilant and provide information through their toll-free lines that could assist law-enforcement agencies in identifying and disrupting narcotics trafficking activities.
