By Lauryne Akoth
Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration Kithure Kindiki has revealed that 126 persons have been arrested in a major drug bust by cops in Tharaka Nithi County.
The CS held a meeting with security heads in the county to establish targets for the program and to discuss the coordination of National Government programs, along with other law enforcement priorities, before proceeding to Embu County for a similar operation.
“Like many other parts of Kenya, Tharaka Nithi County is grossly affected by the menace of illicit alcohol, narcotic drugs, and psychotropic substances, a situation that is undermining socio-economic progress. So far, 11,000 litres of illicit alcohol and 300 rolls of bhang have been netted and 126 persons have been arrested and arraigned.” Said Kindiki.
Speaking in Embu County on Friday, the CS noted that a similar operation such as that of Tharaka Nithi had yielded results. “For the Country to succeed in suppressing the manufacture, distribution, sale, and consumption of killer brews, narcotic drugs, and psychotropic substances, each County has to develop a long-term, sustainable plan that is suited to the local dynamics of the matter.”
“In Embu County, the programme that began on March 7, 2024, has yielded significant results: 116 persons arrested and prosecuted, 296 alcohol-selling premises licensed contrary to the law shut, and 270 rolls of bhang seized.” Stated Kindiki.
Both operations resulted in a collective of 242 individuals apprehended for involvement in the sale of illicit alcohol and psychotropic substances. Kindiki mentioned that the meeting he held with security heads in Embu town resulted in an agreement on the enforcement of anti-illicit alcohol and anti-narcotics measures.
Additionally, he implemented measures to reduce crime, maintain law and order, and established a framework to monitor and evaluate crime as well as the implementation of a reporting schedule.