Narcotics: 180kg Haul Recovered,Bangi Imezidi Kenya

MAVOKO, Kenya — In a major breakthrough, officers from the Anti-Narcotics Unit (ANU) successfully disrupted a suspected narcotics trafficking operation in Machakos County, recovering an estimated 180 kilograms of suspected narcotic drugs and arresting two suspects. The operation, which took place in the early hours of today, highlights the continued focus of law enforcement on tackling drug-related crimes and dismantling trafficking networks in Kenya.

According to officials, the operation was intelligence-driven, reflecting close coordination between detectives and informants on the ground. Acting on actionable information about individuals involved in the illegal movement of narcotic substances, ANU officers deployed a team to Ng’alalya area of Joska, within Mavoko Sub-County. The detectives arrived at the location at approximately 2:00 a.m., when criminal activity was believed to be taking place under cover of darkness.

The officers intercepted a navy blue Toyota Auris, registration number KCA 484R, which had been flagged as a vehicle potentially carrying illegal substances. Detectives moved in swiftly, securing the vehicle and conducting a thorough search. Their diligence was rewarded when they discovered three greenish gunny bags and eleven yellow-taped bales, all containing greenish dry plant material suspected to be narcotic drugs. The recovered consignment, though preliminary estimates place it at 180 kilograms, is undergoing official weighing and sampling at the DCI Headquarters to confirm exact weight and street value, which is currently estimated at KSh 5,400,000.

Two individuals were arrested at the scene. They have been identified as Charles Otibong’or Muruga, 30, and Joel Dienya Swart, 29. However, the operation was not without challenges. The driver of the vehicle, known only as Newton, managed to escape during the raid, prompting authorities to launch a manhunt to apprehend him. Police say investigations are ongoing to identify other members of the trafficking network and to prevent further distribution of illicit drugs.

The seized exhibits have been carefully secured at DCI Headquarters, where they will remain as evidence while forensic tests and investigations are conducted. Meanwhile, the suspects are in custody at Muthaiga Police Station, pending formal arraignment in court on charges of trafficking in narcotic drugs. The intercepted vehicle remains detained at Joska Police Station and will eventually be transferred to the DCI Headquarters yard as part of evidence preservation.

Law enforcement officials emphasized the importance of intelligence-led operations in combatting drug trafficking. By acting on tips and verified leads, detectives were able to prevent the movement of a large quantity of narcotics into urban and rural markets, which could have contributed to the drug menace affecting communities across Kenya. Analysts say that such busts serve as a reminder of the persistent challenges posed by narcotics trafficking and the need for coordinated interventions to safeguard public health and security.

The operation also underscores the growing professionalism and efficiency of Kenya’s Anti-Narcotics Unit, whose officers continue to target organized criminal networks with precision. The recovery of 180 kilograms of suspected narcotics is among the largest seizures in recent months in the Machakos area, demonstrating the impact of surveillance, intelligence gathering, and rapid response.

Investigations are expected to continue as detectives work to identify additional suspects linked to the trafficking operation. Authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant and provide information that could aid in dismantling criminal syndicates involved in the illegal drug trade. The arrest of Muruga and Swart, combined with the ongoing manhunt for Newton, signals law enforcement’s commitment to holding traffickers accountable and curbing the proliferation of narcotics across the country.