Police Hunt for Suspect After Seizing 17.5kg of Bhang in Siaya

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) is in pursuit of a suspect who disappeared after attempting to transport 17.5 kilograms of bhang from Siaya to Mombasa. The incident, which highlights the ongoing struggle against narcotics trafficking in Kenya, unfolded when the suspect’s well-laid plan hit a snag at a local courier service.

According to DCI Director Mohamed Amin, the suspect intended to ship the illicit cargo via a courier service, believing that the scheme was foolproof. However, the plan unraveled when the courier agent began inspecting the suspicious package, which was hidden inside a nylon sack.

“The trafficker’s confidence quickly turned to panic as the inspection process commenced,” Amin explained in a statement on Sunday. “Realizing the risk of exposure, the suspect vanished into thin air, triggering alarm bells for the vigilant courier attendant. The attendant, suspecting foul play, promptly alerted the police.”

Upon arrival at the courier office, officers discovered the true nature of the package. Initially, it appeared to contain a layer of raw bananas, but a closer inspection revealed 245 long rolls of cannabis sativa concealed beneath the bananas, totaling 17.5 kilograms. The seized narcotics were immediately transported to the Siaya police station for safekeeping, and an intensive manhunt was launched to apprehend the fleeing trafficker.

This latest seizure comes just five days after a significant narcotics bust in Busia, where two suspects, including a 17-year-old minor, were apprehended. The individuals were traveling in a Toyota Hiace matatu when they were stopped at a roadblock along the Nambale-Busia road. A search of their bags led to the discovery of five bales of marijuana, weighing a total of 44 kilograms. The street value of the seized drugs was estimated at Sh320,000.

In a related development, detectives from the Anti-Narcotics Unit (ANU), based at the DCI headquarters on Kiambu Road, conducted a successful operation in Donholm. This operation resulted in the arrest of two drug traffickers—one Kenyan and the other a Tanzanian national. The Tanzanian suspect, who had entered Kenya as a specialist in drug packaging, was found to be involved in disguising and distributing illicit drugs.

During a search of the suspects’ residence in Manyanzani area, Tala Kangundo subcounty, authorities discovered a backpack with a concealed compartment containing cannabis sativa, alongside a digital scale and several incriminating documents. The unique species of cannabis sativa found in the backpack was identified as having been smuggled into the country through the Namanga border. According to intelligence reports, the street value of one gram of this particular cannabis sativa is Sh8,000.

Amin noted that further analysis is underway to determine the specific characteristics of the drug and how it differs from locally found cannabis. “The investigation aims to uncover the unique attributes of this foreign cannabis sativa and its impact on the local drug market,” he said.

As the investigation continues, authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities related to drug trafficking. The suspects involved in the recent seizures are expected to face court proceedings once the investigations are completed. The DCI remains committed to combating drug trafficking and ensuring that those involved in such illegal activities are brought to justice.

The concerted efforts of the police and other agencies in addressing drug trafficking underscore the ongoing challenges in the fight against narcotics, as well as the need for continued vigilance and cooperation from the community.