Authorities arrested a man in possession of cannabis sativa (commonly known as bhang) valued at Sh6.9 million. The arrest, which took place on Monday night, has heightened concerns about drug trafficking in the region and brought to light a potential network of illicit activities, including car theft and drug smuggling.
The Arrest
The arrest occurred around midnight within Machakos Township when officers on patrol intercepted a suspicious motor vehicle, a Toyota Wish. Machakos County Commissioner Josephine Ouko, who spoke at a press briefing the following day, confirmed that two sacks of bhang weighing 200 kilograms were discovered in the vehicle. The seized consignment, according to authorities, has a street value of Sh6.9 million.
Commissioner Ouko stated that the driver of the vehicle claimed he was transporting the bhang from Migori County to Kitui County. However, she expressed skepticism about his account, noting that further investigations would determine the legitimacy of his claims.
“Yesterday at midnight, our officers on patrol were able to intercept this vehicle carrying two sacks of cannabis sativa weighing 200 kilograms with a street value of about Sh6.9 million. According to the driver, he was ferrying the consignment from Migori to Kitui County, claims we can’t authenticate,” Ouko said during the press conference.
Discovery of Number Plates and Potential Car Theft Syndicate
In a surprising turn of events, police officers also recovered six different vehicle registration plates inside the Toyota Wish. This discovery has raised suspicion that the arrested individual might be involved in a broader criminal syndicate, possibly linked to car theft.
“The suspect was driving the Toyota Wish that had six number plates he used to disguise himself. He could be involved in a car theft syndicate. We don’t know which of the number plates belongs to this motor vehicle,” Ouko remarked.
This detail has spurred authorities to open a separate investigation into whether the vehicle used in the drug trafficking was stolen or part of a larger ring of criminal activity. Machakos County police commander Patrick Lobolia, who accompanied Commissioner Ouko at the press briefing, assured the public that officers were working to unravel the full extent of the criminal operation.
Call for Vigilance and Stricter Car Hire Controls
One of the key messages from Commissioner Ouko during her address was a warning to those in the car hire business to exercise greater caution when renting out their vehicles. She noted that criminals often use rented vehicles to transport illegal goods or engage in other criminal activities.
“They should know the people who they are hiring their vehicles to, take proper records, and install trackers for easy monitoring. Those whose vehicles are hired and used to commit crime risk forfeiting them to the government,” Ouko said.
This statement is a call to action for car hire companies and individuals across the country to enhance security measures and accountability when leasing out vehicles. The recovery of multiple number plates in this case highlights the lengths to which criminals go to evade detection.
Drug Trafficking Crackdown in Machakos
The arrest is part of a broader effort by authorities in Machakos to combat the growing problem of drug trafficking. Commissioner Ouko acknowledged that despite their success in suppressing local drug dealers, traffickers from other counties and countries have resorted to importing drugs into Machakos.
“Now, they have resorted to importing them from other counties and countries. Youths, avoid easy money. The bhang was meant for the Machakos market. The driver said he had six sacks of bhang from Migori, while our officers recovered only two after intercepting the motor vehicle,” she explained.
This revelation raises questions about the larger network involved in the drug trade and whether other consignments are successfully making their way into the region without detection. Ouko called on traffic police officers across the country to remain vigilant to prevent the movement of outlawed drugs and substances between counties.
The seized cannabis, the impounded vehicle, and the recovered number plates are now part of the evidence being investigated by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI). Authorities have confirmed that the suspect’s fingerprints have been taken, and he remains in police custody while investigations continue. He is expected to be arraigned in court once the investigation is complete.
Commissioner’s Strong Stance Against Crime
Commissioner Ouko’s firm stance against drug trafficking and other illicit activities is part of a wider security agenda for Machakos County. During the press briefing, she issued a stern warning to all those involved in the illegal drug trade and other criminal enterprises.
“We warn all involved in the illicit trade that we are coming for you. We will put dogs on our highways,” she said, signaling an intent to increase roadblocks and inspections on key routes to prevent drug smuggling.
Ouko’s aggressive posture on crime did not stop at drug trafficking. She also addressed the issue of illegal gambling machines, announcing that several slot betting machines confiscated in earlier operations had been destroyed shortly after the press conference. The burning of these machines symbolized the county’s zero-tolerance policy toward illegal gambling activities.
“We have no room for such illicit machines and activities in Machakos,” she added.
Crackdown on Illicit Second-Generation Liquor
In addition to drug trafficking and illegal gambling, Commissioner Ouko also reiterated the county’s commitment to cracking down on the sale of illicit second-generation alcohol, which has become a serious public health issue in many parts of Kenya. She declared Machakos County a “No Go Zone” for those dealing in illicit liquor and warned that law enforcement would be relentless in their efforts to eradicate the problem.
“Machakos is a No Go Zone. No smoking bhang in Machakos. I equally put those involved in outlawed second-generation liquor on notice. My strength comes from the public; we have closed everywhere. The public has my phone number,” she said, stressing the importance of community involvement in the fight against crime.
Conclusion
The arrest of a man in possession of Sh6.9 million worth of bhang in Machakos has opened a window into the complex and often dangerous world of drug trafficking, car theft, and other criminal activities. Commissioner Josephine Ouko’s firm stance on crime, combined with increased vigilance by law enforcement, is a promising sign that authorities are taking bold steps to curb these activities in the region.
However, the recovery of only two out of the six claimed sacks of bhang raises concerns about the possibility of more drugs circulating in the market undetected. The involvement of multiple vehicle number plates also suggests that the suspect might be part of a larger syndicate that authorities are keen to dismantle.
As the investigation unfolds, Machakos County remains on high alert, with law enforcement intensifying efforts to crack down on illegal activities. The public’s cooperation and vigilance will be key to ensuring the success of these operations, particularly in a region that has become a target for criminals attempting to exploit its strategic location. With a united front, authorities and citizens can work together to make Machakos a safer, drug-free county.
