NACADA seizes bhang and chang’aa near school in Siaya, one arrested

The seized substances have been secured, and investigations are ongoing.

by STAR REPORTER

News16 September 2025 - 17:29

In Summary

NACADA CEO Omerikwa said the operation is part of the nationwide Rapid Results Initiative (RRI) against drug and substance abuse, as directed by CS Murkomen.
“This is just the beginning. We are executing a nationwide, multi-agency crackdown on all fronts. Those dealing in drugs and illicit alcohol — be warned: we are not relenting,” Omerikwa said.

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The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) on Tuesday, September 16, led a high-profile multi-agency operation that dismantled a drug and illicit alcohol ring in Mainga Village, Nyandhiwa Sublocation in Siaya, close to a primary school identified as Awelo.

The raid, triggered by public concern, uncovered a significant stockpile of narcotics and contraband alcohol being trafficked openly, posing risks to schoolchildren and the surrounding community.

A specialised task force comprising NACADA, the National Police Service (NPS), and the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) seized the following: 1,010 rolls of bhang, 15 brooms of bhang and bhang seedlings in three bags, 353 packets of cigarettes intended for export, 240 sticks of Oris cigarettes, 100 litres of illicit Chang’aa, 36 bottles of Ugin, 179 bottles of Gin, Sh75,610 in suspected illicit proceeds.

One suspect was arrested during the operation and is in custody pending further legal action.

Speaking after the raid, NACADA CEO Anthony Omerikwa said the operation is part of the nationwide Rapid Results Initiative (RRI) against drug and substance abuse, as directed by Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen.

“This is just the beginning. We are executing a nationwide, multi-agency crackdown on all fronts. Those dealing in drugs and illicit alcohol — be warned: we are not relenting,” Omerikwa said.

He added that NACADA, together with law enforcement and regulatory agencies, will continue to intensify operations nationwide, especially in areas where communities report increased drug activity near schools and residential zones.

The seized substances have been secured, and investigations are ongoing to dismantle the broader network behind the illicit distribution.

Kenya’s war on drugs has entered a new phase, with authorities signalling that no trafficker, however small or well-hidden, will be spared.