Police have arrested five suspects and seized more than 582 kilogrammes of suspected bhang in a series of anti-narcotics operations conducted in Kisumu, Kisii and Nairobi.

The multi-agency operations, involving detectives from the National Anti-Narcotics Bureau (NANIB), the Crime Research and Intelligence Bureau (CRIB), the Regional DCI Units (RDU) and K-9 officers, also led to the recovery of 1,002 rolls of suspected bhang and packets of suspected uncustomed cigarettes.

In Kisumu, officers intercepted a gold Toyota Axio, registration number KCM 214Q, at Kisumu Boys Roundabout during an intelligence-led operation.

The driver reportedly ignored police orders to stop, forcing officers to fire a round at the vehicle’s front left tyre. The driver escaped during the ensuing commotion, but the co-driver, identified as 21-year-old Frida Night Odour, was arrested while attempting to flee.

A search of the vehicle uncovered 282.55 kilogrammes of suspected bhang packed in seven sacks and other loose quantities. The consignment was valued at KSh 8.65 million.

Officers also recovered 40 dozen packets of suspected uncustomed Supermatch cigarettes valued at KSh 40,000.

In Kisii County, detectives acting on information from a member of the public raided a house at Keumbu Trading Centre, where they recovered approximately 300 kilogrammes of suspected bhang packed in seven sacks.

A 32-year-old man identified as Elijah Amisi Mogire was arrested during the operation.

Meanwhile, in Nairobi, a multi-agency team led by the OCS Jogoo Road raided a two-bedroom house in Jericho Estate, Buruburu Sub-County.

The officers recovered 1,002 rolls of suspected bhang, comprising 936 brown rolls and 66 red rolls, concealed in a black polythene bag. Three suspects, identified as Noah James Kariuli, Calvin Malibo and Brian Ndolo, were arrested.

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) said all recovered exhibits had been secured, with the five suspects remaining in custody pending arraignment.

APERIT FM, HII NI YETU