The war against contraband goods, narcotics and illicit brews in Kisumu has intensified after police officers from Kondele Police Station made a major breakthrough, seizing a large consignment of uncustomed goods and drugs in a well-coordinated raid.
Acting on a tip-off, officers under the command of OC Anti-Petty Crimes Unit stormed the Car Wash area within Migosi on Monday afternoon, about five kilometers northeast of the station.
The operation, conducted at around 3 p.m., led to the arrest of one Franklin Willis, a 28-year-old male, found in possession of a variety of illegal products.
According to police sources, the haul included 117 bottles of Ice London Gin, 76 bottles of John’s X5 Gin, 26 bottles of Empire Cane Spirit, 45 bottles of Simba Waragi Gin, two liters of chang’aa, 20 packets of Export Supermatch cigarettes, 16 bottles of coffee-flavored vodka and 31 rolls of bhang.
The suspect has been processed and placed in custody at Kondele Police Station, pending arraignment before the Winam Law Courts, where he is expected to face multiple charges relating to possession of narcotic substances and illegal trade.
Police confirmed that all the exhibits have been documented and safely stored, with samples of the suspected substances set to be forwarded to the Kisumu Government Chemist for analysis.
Speaking on the operation, senior officers reiterated that the crackdown forms part of an ongoing countywide campaign targeting illicit brews, narcotics and counterfeit products that have infiltrated local markets, endangering lives and undermining public safety.
“We are determined to rid Kisumu of all forms of drug and substance abuse. The operations will continue daily and we will not relent until our neighborhoods are safe,” said a senior officer involved in the raid.
Residents have since lauded the swift action by the police, calling for sustained efforts and community vigilance to help weed out drug dens and illegal alcohol distributors across the county.
The latest arrest underscores renewed commitment by security agencies in Kisumu to enforce the national directive on curbing drug and alcohol abuse, which continues to pose a major threat to youth welfare and public health in the region.
