The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) conducted an overnight intelligence-led, multi-agency operation and arrested a suspect believed to be trafficking drugs to university students in Njoro, Nakuru County.

The raid was conducted on Thursday by NACADA officers alongside other security agencies, targeting the suspect’s residence linked with the distribution of cannabis within Egerton University area.

NACADA said the operation followed weeks of surveillance and intelligence gathering  

Security officers uncovered a substantial stash of cannabis hidden in underground chambers excavated within the compound. More consignments were also discovered concealed inside livestock sheds.

According to investigators, the concealment technique was deliberately designed to suppress the scent of the narcotics and evade detection during routine security patrols.

The suspect was apprehended at the scene and is currently being held in police custody pending further investigations. Detectives have since launched a manhunt for potential accomplices and are probing a wider distribution network believed to operate beyond the county.

NACADA Chief Executive Officer Dr Anthony Omerikwa stated that the operation forms part of a broader crackdown aimed at eliminating drug trafficking activities around learning institutions.

“We are deliberately targeting traffickers operating near schools, colleges, and universities because safe learning environments are central to prevention. When drugs infiltrate academic spaces, they destroy futures, compromise performance, and endanger lives,” he said.

Dr Omerikwa said the operation was informed by findings from NACADA’s latest national survey on drug use among university students, which revealed that between 23 and 26 per cent of students have used cannabis at least once in their lifetime.

“Many users report first experimenting with cannabis in late secondary school or early university years. This transition risk directly contributes to declining academic performance among users and exposes them to life-threatening health consequences that can permanently derail their aspirations,” he stated.

He added that enforcement operations are being complemented by prevention programmes, public education and community partnerships.