A coordinated crackdown on narcotics trafficking has led to the seizure of cannabis sativa and the arrest of two suspects following intelligence-led operations conducted by the Anti-Narcotics Unit (ANU) and the Transnational Organised Crime Unit (TOCU).
According to a statement posted by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) on its official X account on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, the first operation unfolded along the Nairobi–Nakuru highway after detectives acted on a tip-off.
“Acting on a tip-off, the team of detectives intercepted a Daihatsu Mira Reg No. KDH 389A as it cruised along the Nairobi-Nakuru highway,” the DCI stated.
The vehicle, which was reportedly travelling from Busia to Nairobi, was stopped for inspection, leading to the recovery of several bales of cannabis sativa concealed within it.
The driver, identified as Sylvester Kiiru Mwangi, was arrested on the spot and the suspected narcotics confiscated.
In a separate but related operation at the Malaba border, police officers thwarted another attempt to smuggle drugs into the country. Officers stationed at Malaba Police Station intercepted a Ugandan national in suspicious circumstances.
The suspect, identified as 31-year-old Julius Okadapao, was flagged after officers noticed he was carrying luggage that appeared unusually heavy.
“The suspect drew the attention of officers while lugging a box and a briefcase that appeared conspicuously heavy for a regular traveller,” the statement read.
A quick search revealed 17 bales of cannabis sativa carefully wrapped and concealed within his luggage. Preliminary investigations indicate that the narcotics were destined for Nairobi, where they were expected to be distributed in smaller quantities.
“The seized narcotics were destined for the streets of Nairobi, where they were to be broken down for wider distribution,” the DCI noted.
Both suspects are currently in custody as detectives finalize processing ahead of their arraignment in court. Authorities say investigations are ongoing to dismantle wider trafficking networks linked to the seizures.
