Suspect caught, 1180 rolls of bhang seized in Machakos

Police have intensified the war on narcotics after a man suspected of supplying cannabis to residents was arrested in Mitaboni, Machakos County, during an intelligence-led operation.

The suspect was reportedly flushed out of his hideout on Saturday after a multi-agency team acted on information from members of the public.

Police said officers received reports that a man known to locals had been supplying cannabis within Mitaboni Market, prompting surveillance that culminated in his arrest.

“Following credible information from members of the public, a multi-agency team yesterday conducted an intelligence-led operation targeting a suspected cannabis peddler in Mitaboni Market, Machakos County. The team mounted surveillance after reports that a well-known individual had been supplying cannabis to the local residents,” a police source told The Star on Sunday.

The operation paid off when officers allegedly found the suspect preparing the illicit substance for distribution.

A subsequent search of the premises led to the recovery of 1,180 rolls and 700 grammes of cannabis sativa.

The suspect was arrested and detained pending arraignment in court.

Police said the operation demonstrates the importance of collaboration between security agencies and members of the public in combating drug trafficking.

The Machakos arrest came just hours after five other suspects were apprehended in separate anti-narcotics operations in Mombasa, Kitengela and Busia.

In Mombasa, detectives from the Anti-Narcotics Unit intercepted a lorry and recovered nine sacks of cannabis sativa weighing 450 kilogrammes, with an estimated street value of Sh12.15 million.

The driver and his alleged accomplice were arrested.

In Kitengela, detectives raided a bar and recovered two bales of cannabis sativa, 16 rolls of bhang and a clear zip-lock bag containing the substance. A suspect was arrested.

In Busia County, police officers mounted an ambush at the Butula Mission area before stopping a vehicle in which they recovered two tightly packed sacks of cannabis sativa.

The occupants were arrested and escorted to Busia Police Station alongside the recovered exhibits.

All six suspects remain in custody pending arraignment.

Police have retained the recovered narcotics and impounded vehicles as exhibits as the crackdown on drug trafficking continues across the country.