Detectives from the Anti-Narcotics Unit (ANU) and the Transnational Organised Crime Unit (TOCU) have arrested one suspect and intercepted cannabis sativa in a coordinated operation.

According to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), the suspect, identified as Sylvester Kiiru Mwangi, was apprehended along the Nairobi-Nakuru highway, after officers received credible intelligence.

“In a crackdown against narcotics trade, a coordinated operation by detectives from the Anti-Narcotics Unit (ANU) and the Transnational Organised Crime Unit (TOCU) has led to the interception of cannabis sativa and the arrest of a trafficker,” DCI said.

“Acting on a tip-off, the team of detectives intercepted a Daihatsu Mira Reg No. KDH 389A as it cruised along the Nairobi-Nakuru highway. The vehicle, which was en route from Busia to the capital, was brought to a halt for a thorough search.”

The search led to the recovery of several bales of cannabis sativa, with Sylvester Mwangi, arrested on the spot. The consignment was seized before it could reach its intended destination.

In a separate operation at the Kenya-Uganda border, officers based at Malaba Police Station disrupted another smuggling attempt.

Officers intercepted Julius Okadapao, a 31-year-old Ugandan national, at the Posta area within Malaba.

The suspect attracted the attention of officers after he was spotted carrying a box and a briefcase that appeared unusually heavy for a regular traveler. A swift search led to the discovery of 17 meticulously wrapped bales of cannabis sativa.

Preliminary investigations suggest that the seized narcotics were destined for the streets of Nairobi, where they were to be broken down for wider distribution.

Both suspects are currently in police custody undergoing processing ahead of their arraignment.