Police in Nakuru and Wajir counties have intensified operations against drug trafficking, leading to the arrest of twelve suspects and the seizure of over 500 kilograms of marijuana valued at more than Ksh 10 million. The crackdown comes amid rising concerns over drug use, particularly among university students.
In Wajir, four individuals were arrested in Wajir North after police intercepted their vehicle, which was carrying 10 kilograms of marijuana. Authorities believe the suspects had just completed distributing bales of the drug around the county before their arrest. They are currently being held at Bute Police Station and are set to be arraigned in court on Monday, February 17.
Meanwhile, in Elmentaita, Nakuru County, police raided a home in the Pakawa area, uncovering 497 kilograms of marijuana in 21 sacks. Eight suspects were found repackaging the drugs for distribution and were immediately detained. The police continue to conduct similar operations to combat the menace of drug trafficking and consumption.
The growing drug problem in Kenya is increasingly linked to university students, who have become both consumers and distributors. A recent study by the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) revealed alarming statistics on drug use among university students. The study found that nearly half of university students in Kenya have used drugs or substances of abuse in their lifetime.
According to the study, friends were the primary source of drugs for students (66.4%), followed by canteens, bars, and premises within the neighborhood (59.3%). Fellow students accounted for 56% of drug distribution within institutions, while online platforms, including websites and social media, contributed 39.4% to the trade. Shockingly, non-teaching staff (11.4%) and even lecturers (7%) were identified as sources of drugs within university settings.
The study, which surveyed 15,678 students from both public and private universities, found that 20% of students have used at least one type of tobacco, while 18% have used cannabis. Additionally, 10.9% reported using shisha, 8.6% used e-cigarettes, and 4.6% had consumed nicotine.
With drug use on the rise, authorities are now shifting focus to disrupting supply chains, including online sales. Police have vowed to sustain operations targeting traffickers and dealers, urging universities to implement stricter measures to curb drug access on campuses.
The recent arrests in Nakuru and Wajir are a testament to law enforcement’s commitment to dismantling drug networks. However, the persistence of these networks highlights the need for continuous and collaborative efforts from law enforcement, educational institutions, and communities to combat drug abuse effectively.
