Officers from the Anti-Narcotics Unit (ANU) in Mavoko Sub-County, Machakos County, have nabbed two suspects linked to narcotics trafficking in Joska.

According to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), the arrest follows a well-coordinated intelligence-driven operation, which also led to the recovery of a large consignment of suspected narcotic drugs.

The operation unfolded at around 2 am on Thursday, when ANU detectives acting on intelligence regarding individuals involved in trafficking narcotic substances mounted a targeted operation in Ng’alalya area of Joska.

“Upon arrival in the area, the officers intercepted a motor vehicle registration number KCA 484R, a navy-blue Toyota Auris, which had been flagged as a possible carrier of the illicit consignment,” DCI said adding that the officers secured the vehicle before conducting a search.

A search of the vehicle uncovered three greenish gunny bags and eleven yellow-taped bales containing dry plant material suspected to be narcotic drugs.

The two suspects, identified as 30-year-old Charles Otibong’or Muruga and 29-year-old Joel Dienya Swart, were in the vehicle at the time and were immediately arrested.

However, during the operation, the driver of the vehicle, identified only as Newton, managed to escape from the scene. Detectives have since launched a manhunt for the fugitive suspect as investigations intensify.

Preliminary assessments indicate that the recovered consignment weighs approximately 180 kilograms, with an estimated street value of Ksh. 5,400,000.

The recovered exhibits have since been securely transported and stored at the DCI Headquarters exhibits store, where they are pending official weighing and sampling to ascertain the precise weight and value as part of the ongoing investigations.

Meanwhile, the suspects are currently being held at Muthaiga Police Station, where they remain in custody pending arraignment before court on charges related to trafficking in narcotic drugs.

“Detectives are actively pursuing leads aimed at tracking down the escaped suspect and dismantling the broader network believed to be behind the trafficking operation,” said DCI.

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations further reiterated its unwavering commitment to combating narcotics trafficking and protecting communities from the devastating impact of illicit drugs.

Members of the public were also urged to continue sharing information that can aid in the fight against drug-related crimes.