By Lauryne Akoth
Detectives from the Operations Support unit of the DCI successfully apprehended two drug traffickers and confiscated 67 bales of bhang, in the Kimbimbi area of Mwea, Kirinyaga County.
This operation was a result of meticulous intelligence-driven tracking of two vehicles originating from Moyale.
Upon learning that a notorious drug trafficking syndicate was altering its tactics, shifting from concealing the illicit cargo in false lorry compartments to using less conspicuous saloon cars, surveillance teams were deployed along the felons’ known routes to bypass roadblocks.
At 2 pm on 8th March, the first vehicle, a Nissan Primera (Infiniti G20) with registration number KAM 219Q, was intercepted at Kimbimbi. A search revealed 30 bales of the prohibited substance concealed in gunny bags. The driver, Robert Ndwiga Njiru from Runyenjes in Embu County, was arrested during the operation.
Shortly after, a Toyota NZE with registration number KBD 728U, packed with an additional 37 bales, attempted to evade capture by speeding towards Makutano junction.
However, the vigilant detectives swiftly pursued and apprehended the driver, Francis Muriithi, ensuring the successful seizure of the illegal substance. Both suspects were taken to Nairobi for further processing.
This recent seizure occurred just a month after the DCI’s Anti-Narcotics and Operations Support Units confiscated 132 bales of marijuana transported in a truck along the Garissa-Thika Road in Mwingi.
A thorough search revealed a false bottom reinforced with bolts and rails, exposing an additional 104 bales. The two suspects arrested in that operation were identified as Daniel Yohana and Ismael Wako, serving as the driver and co-driver, respectively.