The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has intercepted a cocaine consignment valued at approximately Ksh2.19 million at the Malaba One-Stop Border Post (OSBP), leading to the arrest of one suspect.
In a statement, the DCI reported that the drugs were discovered during routine passenger and luggage screening on a Simba Coach bus travelling from Kampala to Nairobi.
The bus, registration number KDG 093H, arrived at the border post for inspection when officers discovered an unattended parcel inside the vehicle, prompting further examination.
Arrested suspect. Photo: Courtesy.
According to the DCI, the driver and conductor fled the scene, abandoning the bus and its passengers after officers flagged the parcel for inspection.
Detectives from the National Anti-Narcotics Investigations Bureau (NANIB) in Malaba took custody of the consignment for further investigation.
Preliminary tests established that the substance was cocaine packaged in eight pellets weighing a total of 547.99 grammes, with an estimated street value of Ksh2,191,960.
Investigators subsequently arrested the bus turn boy, identified as Meshack Medalack, in connection with the intercepted consignment.
The DCI said detectives were pursuing the driver, identified only as Karama, and the conductor, John Musimbi, as investigations continued to establish how the drugs were being transported and determine the roles of those involved.
Authorities detained the bus at the border post as its management arranged alternative transport for the affected passengers.
The agency reaffirmed its commitment to combating narcotics trafficking, particularly through transport routes and border crossings that criminal networks may exploit to move illegal substances.
