Detectives seize 582kg of bhang valued at Sh8.65 million, arrest five in three counties

Detectives seize 582kg of bhang valued at Sh8.65 million, arrest five in three counties - Detectives have seized more than 582 kilogrammes of suspected cannabis and 1,002 rolls of bhang in operations across Kisumu, Kisii and Nairobi. (DCI)

Three men found at the house, identified as Noah James Kariuli, Calvin Malibo and Brian Ndolo, were arrested, bringing the number of suspects held in the three operations to five.

Detectives have seized more than 582 kilogrammes of suspected cannabis and 1,002 rolls of bhang in operations across Kisumu, Kisii and Nairobi, arresting five people in a nationwide crackdown on drug trafficking.

The bulk of the cannabis was recovered in Kisii and Kisumu, where officers seized about 300kg and 282.55 kg, respectively.

In Kisii, detectives raided a house at Keumbu Trading Centre after receiving information from a member of the public, leading to the recovery of seven sacks of suspected cannabis and the arrest of a 32-year-old man, Elijah Amisi Mogire.

Meanwhile, the Kisumu seizure followed an operation at Kisumu Boys Roundabout, where detectives intercepted a Toyota Axio carrying the consignment. The vehicle's driver ignored orders to stop and attempted to flee, prompting officers to fire a shot at its front left tyre. Although the driver escaped during the ensuing scuffle, his passenger, 21-year-old Frida Night Odour, was arrested.

“The driver managed to escape during the ensuing scuffle, while the co-driver, identified as Frida Night Odour, 21, was arrested while fleeing,” the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) said in a statement.

The cannabis recovered from the vehicle was valued at Sh8.65 million, with officers also finding 40 dozen packets of suspected uncustomed Supermatch cigarettes worth Sh40,000.

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The crackdown also extended to Nairobi, where detectives raided a house in Jericho Estate, within Buruburu, and recovered 1,002 rolls of suspected bhang concealed in a black polythene bag.

“The team was led to a two-bedroom house with three occupants, where a search led to the recovery of 936 brown rolls and 66 red rolls of dry material suspected to be cannabis sativa (bhang) concealed in a black polythene bag,” said the

Three men found at the house, identified as Noah James Kariuli, Calvin Malibo and Brian Ndolo, were arrested, bringing the number of suspects held in the three operations to five.

The suspects remain in custody pending arraignment, while the DCI said the recovered items had been secured as investigations continued.