Six individuals have been detained following a major drug interdiction operation in Mombasa, where authorities seized bhang valued at around Sh72 million.
The coordinated raid by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations’ (DCI) Anti-Narcotics Unit (ANU) disrupted a significant shipment destined for distribution across the coastal city.
The operation began when detectives acting on intelligence intercepted a truck along the Mombasa-Nairobi highway.
Authorities discovered 50 sacks containing long rolls of bhang wrapped in khaki paper, amounting to 2,400 kilograms.
The truck’s driver, Nolden Ogola Misieba, and co-driver Andrew Kaida were immediately arrested at the scene.
Subsequent investigations traced three other vehicles suspected of being part of the distribution chain. These included a Toyota Noah (KCL 458S) driven by Jefferson Kamau with Lawrence Onyango, a Nissan Note (KCZ 567R) driven by John Lutomia, and a Toyota Vitz (KDQ 867K) driven by Samuel Juma Okoth.
Authorities confirmed these vehicles were intended to transport portions of the intercepted narcotics to various locations in Mombasa and surrounding areas.
The arrests mark one of the largest anti-drug operations in recent years along the coastal corridor, highlighting persistent efforts by Kenyan authorities to curb the flow of narcotics from production areas to urban markets.
The coastal region has previously been identified as a critical transit point for bhang and other illicit drugs due to its proximity to the Indian Ocean ports and established transport networks.
“All six suspects remain in custody as processing continues, and the seized drugs and vehicles are being held as evidence,” the DCI confirmed.
The agency also acknowledged the role of vigilant members of the public whose timely reports enabled the interception of the shipment before it reached city streets.
The operation reflects the broader national strategy to combat drug trafficking, which has increasingly targeted organized networks that exploit major highways connecting Nairobi, Mombasa, and other urban centers.
Authorities have pledged continued surveillance and intelligence-driven raids to safeguard communities and disrupt criminal syndicates operating within the country.