The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) in Kisumu County destroyed bhang valued at over KSh 13 million. The destruction followed a court order issued by the Kisumu Law Courts, which mandated the disposal of 10 sacks of cannabis sativa, weighing a total of 438 kilograms. The significant amount of the illegal substance was incinerated at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital on Wednesday, October 9, 2024.
The operation was overseen by DCI Regional Coordinator Lenny Kisaka, alongside Kisumu County and Sub-County security teams. The event brought together key representatives from the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), the Judiciary, Public Health, and other stakeholders, underscoring the collaborative efforts among government agencies in the ongoing war against drugs.
Court-Ordered Destruction
The order to destroy the 10 sacks of bhang was issued after the conclusion of a court case in Kisumu Law Courts, where it was determined that the seized cannabis had no legal standing and needed to be disposed of safely. The destruction of narcotics in such cases is a critical step, not only in removing the drugs from circulation but also in ensuring that they do not find their way back into the illegal market.
Incineration was chosen as the method of destruction, with the hospital’s incinerator being used to ensure complete and safe elimination of the substances. Incineration is a standard procedure in Kenya for disposing of drugs, offering an environmentally safe solution and preventing any potential contamination or misuse.
“This event underscores the Directorate of Criminal Investigations’ commitment in collaborating with other stakeholders in the fight against the sale, distribution, and consumption of narcotic drugs,” said a DCI official during the event.
Coordination with Other Agencies
The successful destruction of the drugs highlighted the crucial role played by the coordinated efforts of multiple government agencies. Aside from the DCI and Kisumu’s security teams, NEMA and Public Health were involved in ensuring the process adhered to environmental and health regulations. NEMA’s role is particularly important in overseeing the safe disposal of hazardous materials, such as drugs, in a way that prevents harm to the environment.
Public Health officers were on-site to monitor the incineration process, ensuring that the destruction did not pose any health risks to the public or the environment. Officers from the ODPP were also present to witness the destruction and ensure compliance with the legal directives issued by the courts.
The Judiciary’s involvement in the event highlights the vital link between law enforcement and the judicial system in the fight against narcotics. After law enforcement agencies carry out successful arrests and seizures, the court’s role in ruling on the legality of the confiscated substances and ordering their destruction ensures that justice is served comprehensively.
Impact on the War on Drugs
The destruction of over KSh 13 million worth of bhang sends a strong message to drug traffickers and peddlers about the government’s stance on narcotics. The sheer quantity and value of the destroyed drugs demonstrate the scale of the narcotic trade in Kisumu and its surrounding areas, a region that has seen increased drug trafficking activities in recent years.
Cannabis sativa, commonly referred to as bhang in Kenya, is classified as a narcotic drug under Kenyan law. Despite being illegal, bhang continues to be trafficked across various parts of the country, with the lake region being one of the hotspots for the illicit trade. The high demand for bhang in local and cross-border markets, especially along the Kenya-Uganda route, has made the fight against its distribution a priority for law enforcement agencies.
The destruction of the seized drugs marks a victory for the DCI and other security agencies, but it is also a reminder of the ongoing challenge they face in tackling the narcotics trade. It’s estimated that millions of shillings worth of drugs move through the country’s illegal markets annually, and the recent bust in Kisumu is just a fraction of the total volume in circulation.
Collaborative Efforts in the Fight Against Drugs
The successful destruction of the bhang was made possible through the concerted efforts of law enforcement and judicial authorities, environmental regulators, and health experts. The collaboration of these agencies demonstrates the multidimensional approach required to effectively tackle the narcotics trade in Kenya.
The DCI emphasized that such coordinated efforts would continue as part of its broader strategy to curb the distribution and consumption of narcotics in the country. The agency also reiterated its commitment to working with other government departments to ensure that those involved in the drug trade are arrested, prosecuted, and that seized drugs are destroyed in a manner that complies with environmental and health regulations.
DCI Regional Coordinator Lenny Kisaka noted that the joint approach not only ensures that the rule of law is upheld but also protects the environment and public health from the dangers associated with improper disposal of drugs. “This operation reflects our dedication to eliminating narcotics from our communities, and it shows the importance of cross-agency collaboration in making our towns safer and drug-free,” Kisaka remarked.
The Broader Picture: Drug Abuse in Kenya
The destruction of the bhang also highlights the broader issue of drug abuse in Kenya, which continues to be a serious concern for the government. The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) has raised alarms over the rising consumption of cannabis, especially among young people.
Bhang is one of the most abused substances in the country, alongside alcohol and other illicit drugs such as heroin and cocaine. The easy availability of bhang, particularly in major towns like Nairobi, Mombasa, and Kisumu, has contributed to its rampant abuse. In recent years, authorities have stepped up their crackdown on both users and distributors of the drug, but the battle is far from over.
The Kenyan government, through various agencies such as the DCI, NACADA, and the police, has been intensifying efforts to reduce the supply of narcotics. These efforts are complemented by rehabilitation programs aimed at curbing the demand for drugs and helping addicts recover and reintegrate into society.
Conclusion
The destruction of bhang worth over KSh 13 million in Kisumu County is a significant achievement for law enforcement agencies and an important step in the fight against drug abuse in Kenya. By collaborating with various stakeholders, the DCI has shown its determination to rid the streets of harmful narcotics and ensure that justice is served. However, the war on drugs remains ongoing, with authorities constantly striving to prevent the trade, distribution, and consumption of illegal substances across the country.
As Kenya continues its battle against drugs, the importance of such operations cannot be overstated. They not only dismantle drug networks but also serve as a deterrent to potential traffickers. It is only through sustained efforts like this that the country can hope to make lasting progress in eliminating the scourge of narcotics from its communities.
