Police recover 8,750 litres of illicit substance in Busia

Police in Busia County have seized 8,750 litres of a suspected illicit substance following a successful operation in the Marach area.

The seizure was made after officers received a tip-off about a lorry allegedly transporting illegal goods.

According to a police statement shared on X, officers intercepted the vehicle and found 35 plastic drums, each with a capacity of approximately 250 litres, containing a substance believed to be ethanol.

"The total volume of the illicit substance seized amounted to 8,750 litres," the statement read.

The driver and another occupant of the lorry were arrested and placed in custody.

The vehicle was escorted to Busia Police Station pending further investigations and arraignment.

The National Police Service (NPS) commended members of the public for providing timely information that enabled the interception, reaffirming its commitment to fighting the illegal trade and transport of hazardous substances.

The operation comes days after the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking (IDADA), which was marked in Embu County.

During the event, the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) called for greater investment in prevention strategies under the theme:

“The Evidence is Clear: Invest in Prevention. Break the Cycle. #StopOrganizedCrime.”

NACADA Board Chairperson Stephen Mairori emphasized that long-term solutions lie in proactive rather than reactive measures.

 "Prevention is not only cost-effective but also one of the most sustainable strategies in this fight," Mairori said.

The agency has recently intensified its crackdown on illicit alcohol and drugs, with ongoing multi-agency operations in regions including Homa Bay and Kisii.