A drug bust unfolded dramatically in Kwa Vonza, Kitui County, on Thursday, May 7 afternoon, as two suspected cannabis traffickers ditched their consignment and motorcycles and fled into the bush after a high-stakes pursuit by NACADA and anti-narcotics officers.
The suspects, who had been under surveillance for days, were intercepted by the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) working in close collaboration with the Kwa Vonza Divisional Criminal Investigation Officer (DCIO).
The multi-agency team had traced the duo from Kitui town, where they were seen heading towards Machakos on a motorcycle to allegedly purchase a fresh supply of illegal narcotics.
At approximately 1500 hours, the two suspects were spotted approaching a police barrier strategically mounted along the busy route.
Officers signaled for them to stop for a routine check. However, the suspects defied the directive and sped off, triggering a high-octane chase along the dusty roads.
Realizing that capture was imminent as the officers closed in, the pair made a frantic decision. They abandoned their motorcycle, still laden with the illegal consignment, and scrambled on foot into the dense surrounding bush, vanishing from sight.
The motorcycle and the seized narcotics were immediately secured and transported to Kwa Vonza Police Station, before being transferred to Kitui Police Station for documentation. The items were formally booked as investigations continue and a manhunt for the fleeing suspects intensifies.
Commenting on the operation, NACADA Chief Executive Officer Dr. Anthony Omerikwa revealed a disturbing dimension to the bust. He noted that the area where the suspects were heading is home to the South Eastern Kenya University (SEKU), strongly suggesting that the traffickers intended to target university students.
“The traffickers were clearly targeting higher learning institutions, putting our young people at risk. The Authority continues to conduct intelligence-led multi-agency operations to weed out criminals polluting learning environments, especially now that schools and institutions of higher learning are back in session,” Dr. Omerikwa warned.
He reiterated NACADA’s commitment to dismantling drug networks and called on members of the public to report any suspicious activity.
