The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has arrested five suspects and seized more than 582 kilogrammes of cannabis in a nationwide crackdown on narcotics trafficking.
In a statement on Sunday, November 1, the DCI said detectives from the National Anti-Narcotics Bureau (NANIB), Crime Research and Intelligence Bureau (CRIB), and officers from the Rapid Deployment Unit (RDU) and K-9 Unit conducted intelligence-led operations in Kisumu, Kisii and Nairobi.
In Kisumu County, detectives from NANIB Busia, NANIB Nyanza and DCI Kisumu intercepted a gold Toyota Axio, registration number KCM 214Q, at Kisumu Boys Roundabout.
Arrested suspects. Photo: Courtesy.
The driver defied orders to stop, prompting officers to shoot at the vehicle’s front left tyre, which deflated.
However, the driver escaped during the ensuing commotion, while the co-driver, identified as 21-year-old Frida Night Odour, was arrested as she attempted to flee.
A subsequent search of the vehicle led to the recovery of dry plant material suspected to be cannabis sativa packed in seven Manila sacks, with additional quantities found loosely inside the car.
The consignment weighed 282.55 kilogrammes and had an estimated market value of Ksh8,656,500. Detectives also recovered 40 dozen packets of suspected uncustomed Supermatch cigarettes valued at Ksh40,000.
In Kisii County, NANIB officers acting on a tip-off from a member of the public raided a house at Keumbu Trading Centre, where they recovered seven sacks of suspected cannabis weighing approximately 300 kilogrammes.
The operation resulted in the arrest of 32-year-old Elijah Amisi Mogire, who was found at the scene.
Meanwhile, in Nairobi, a multi-agency team led by the Jogoo Road Officer Commanding Station (OCS) conducted an intelligence-led operation at Jericho Estate in Buruburu Sub-County.
The officers raided a two-bedroom house occupied by three people and recovered 1,002 rolls of suspected bhang, comprising 936 brown rolls and 66 red rolls, concealed in a black polythene bag.
The consignment had an estimated street value of Ksh5,750. Three suspects identified as Noah James Kariuli, Calvin Malibo and Brian Ndolo were arrested and booked at Jogoo Road Police Station.
The DCI said all recovered exhibits had been secured and the scenes documented, while the five suspects remained in police custody pending arraignment.
