The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) has seized bhang worth Ksh1 million and arrested a suspected high-profile trafficker following a major crackdown in Kitui.
The operation, conducted by officers from NACADA’s Nairobi headquarters in the early hours of Thursday, targeted the suspect’s residence and commercial premises in a coordinated raid.
Authorities recovered more than 5,600 rolls of ready-to-use bhang, three rolling flags, cannabis in various other forms, polythene bags, weighing scales, and rolling papers.
NACADA Chief Executive Officer Anthony Omerikwa said the raid followed weeks of surveillance, describing it as part of a sustained effort to dismantle drug distribution networks.
“Today’s operation demonstrates NACADA’s unwavering commitment to protecting society, especially now that schools are closed and children are at home for the holidays,” Omerikwa said.
“We cannot allow drug peddlers to prey on our youth during this period when they are away from the structured school environment.”
Omerikwa commended members of the public for their continued partnership in the fight against substance abuse.
“The public has remained a dependable ally in this war against alcohol and drug use across the country. I call on citizens to stay vigilant and continue volunteering information that will lead to protecting our environment and communities from the harms caused by drug use,” he added.
A community member who spoke on condition of anonymity described the suspect as a longtime nuisance in the neighborhood.
“This man has been a problem for years. Many of our young people have fallen victim to his illegal activities, and parents have been living in fear. NACADA is doing a good job. We hope the court will not release him back to destroy more lives,” the resident said.
The crackdown is part of high-profile enforcement raids conducted by the Authority following President William Ruto’s renewed call to intensify the fight against drug abuse in the country.
The suspect is currently in custody and is expected to be charged with drug trafficking and possession of narcotics.
