11 people have been arrested following a narcotics crackdown by the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) in Kisii and Homa Bay counties.
The agency has recently intensified its war on drugs and illicit substances across the country, targeting key trafficking and distribution networks.
In a successful intelligence-led operation conducted in Oyugis, Homa Bay County, NACADA, in collaboration with the Anti-Narcotics Unit (ANU) and the Administration Police Service (APS), arrested two individuals found in possession of suspected narcotics and contraband goods.
Recovered during the raid were 400 packets of uncustomed Supermatch cigarettes, 14 packets of Oris cigarettes, and cash in various denominations, all suspected to be proceeds from the illicit trade.
Additionally, one suspect was found in possession of cannabis sativa (bhang).
“The contraband cigarettes are thought to have been smuggled into the country without customs clearance, contravening revenue and trade regulations. The suspects are currently being held at Oyugis Police Station pending further investigation.”, said the agency in a statement.
In a separate operation, a multi-agency team in Kisii County—including officers from the National Police Service (NPS), Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), and ANU Nyanza Region raided a rental residence in Nyakongo Village, Kitutu Central Sub-County.
The team recovered 134 brooms suspected of being narcotic substances and two 90kg sacks of dried plant material believed to be cannabis sativa.
Eight suspects were apprehended and are in police custody awaiting further legal action.
“These operations follow the recent dismantling of a major drug distribution racket linked to a notorious drug baron in Kisii County just a month ago, underscoring NACADA’s determination and strategic momentum in dismantling drug networks across the country”, NACADA stated.
NACADA reaffirmed its commitment to a multi-agency approach in combating narcotics, pledging continued collaboration with law enforcement and intelligence partners to protect communities from the harmful effects of drugs.
Members of the public have been urged to remain vigilant and report drug-related activities anonymously via the toll-free hotline 1192.
