The drama began when officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), specifically from the Anti-Narcotics Unit (ANU) and the Transnational Organised Crime Unit (TOCU), set up a roadblock as part of their anti-drug operations. During their routine check, a vehicle approached the checkpoint but, instead of stopping, the driver sped away, sparking a chase.
The chase, which unfolded along the busy highway, ended when the fleeing vehicle veered off the road and got stuck in a ditch. The driver was promptly arrested by the pursuing officers. A search of the vehicle revealed 19 packages of cannabis hidden inside, a significant find in the ongoing battle against drug trafficking.
In addition to this arrest, DCI officers were involved in several other drug-related cases on the same day. On the Migori-Sirare Highway, a motorcycle rider carrying two large bags of marijuana weighing approximately 73.6 kilograms was also pursued. Although the rider managed to escape, the marijuana was recovered by the police. Authorities are continuing their efforts to locate the individual responsible.
Another significant arrest took place along the Nambale-Busia road. A 20-year-old man was apprehended with 350 rolls of bhang, which totaled 22 kilograms. The arrest is part of a broader crackdown on drug trafficking in the region, aimed at reducing the availability of illegal substances and their impact on local communities.
In Busia, police intercepted a 29-year-old woman who was attempting to board a bus to Nairobi with contraband. A search of her brown bag uncovered a bale of bhang wrapped in white cello tape. The bale weighed 17.15 kilograms and had an estimated street value of Ksh514,500. This case further underscores the challenges faced by law enforcement in curbing the drug trade.
The suspects involved in these recent drug trafficking cases are set to appear in court on Monday, August 26, 2024. The seized drugs and vehicles will serve as evidence in the ongoing legal proceedings. The DCI remains committed to fighting drug trafficking and other forms of organized crime, with a focus on dismantling criminal networks and reducing the supply of illegal drugs.
This recent wave of arrests and seizures is part of a larger trend of intensified law enforcement efforts against drug trafficking in Kenya. Earlier this year, in March, at least seven foreigners were deported due to drug-related offenses. The suspects were apprehended in various Nairobi estates, highlighting the international aspect of the drug trade and the need for vigilance.
In May, the DCI also made significant arrests, including two foreigners and a Kenyan, during a raid in Kasarani. The officers confiscated various drugs, including cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine. These operations reflect a broader strategy to address the complex issue of drug trafficking from multiple angles.
The Kenyan public is urged to remain vigilant and cooperate with authorities to combat drug trafficking effectively. Law enforcement agencies continue to call for community support in reporting suspicious activities and assisting in the fight against this illicit trade. The DCI's ongoing efforts aim to make Kenya a safer place by targeting drug traffickers and reducing the availability of harmful substances in the community.
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