Police officers have intercepted a consignment of suspected narcotics during a routine security operation at Sabaki Bridge, Kilifi County, leading to the arrest of a driver.
In a statement shared on its X account, the National Police Service said the operation took place on April 7, 2026, when officers stationed at the checkpoint stopped a vehicle for inspection.
According to the police, the vehicle had been flagged down as part of routine security checks along the busy transit route.
Officers then conducted a thorough search of the vehicle’s cargo area, which was reportedly transporting bags of rice.
“Police officers successfully intercepted a significant haul of suspected narcotic drugs during a routine security operation at the Sabaki Bridge checkpoint,” the statement read.
During the search, officers discovered a suspicious sack concealed beneath the food supplies.
“Upon conducting a thorough search of the vehicle’s cargo area, officers discovered a sack containing numerous rolls of dry plant material wrapped in khaki paper, suspected to be cannabis (bhang), hidden beneath the food supplies,” the police said.
Authorities immediately arrested the driver of the vehicle and escorted him to Malindi Police Station for further processing.
“The driver of the vehicle was arrested and escorted to Malindi Police Station, where he was placed in custody awaiting further police processing,” the statement added.
Police also confirmed that both the vehicle and the recovered exhibits were detained at the same station as investigations continue.
Officials said the operation forms part of broader security efforts aimed at combating the trafficking of illegal drugs across the country.
“The National Police Service remains committed to heightening surveillance on all major transit routes to curb the trafficking of illegal substances nationwide,” the agency said.
Authorities have reiterated their call for public cooperation in reporting suspected criminal activities as part of ongoing efforts to combat narcotics trafficking.
