In a significant crackdown on narcotics trafficking, 11 individuals were arrested in Homa Bay and Kisii counties as part of an operation led by the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA). The operation targeted illicit drug distribution networks, with authorities focusing on dismantling key trafficking routes in the region.
The operation in Homa Bay County, conducted in the town of Oyugis, saw NACADA working in collaboration with the Anti-Narcotics Unit (ANU) and the Administration Police Service (APS). Two suspects were apprehended during the operation, which yielded several significant findings. Authorities seized 400 packets of uncustomed Supermatch cigarettes, 14 packets of Oris cigarettes, and cash in various denominations believed to be proceeds from the illicit trade. In addition to the cigarettes, one suspect was also found with cannabis sativa (commonly known as bhang), further emphasizing the ongoing challenges of drug abuse and trafficking in the region.
The smuggling of contraband cigarettes, including the uncustomed Supermatch brand, highlights a growing problem of illegal goods being brought into the country without proper customs clearance. Such activities not only violate trade regulations but also affect the country’s revenue collection. The suspects involved in the Oyugis raid are currently held at the local police station, awaiting further investigation. The operation is part of NACADA’s larger effort to curb the circulation of illegal substances and ensure the safety and well-being of communities.
Meanwhile, in Kisii County, another significant operation led to the arrest of eight individuals in Nyakongo Village, located in Kitutu Central Sub-County. The multi-agency operation involved officers from the National Police Service (NPS), Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), and ANU Nyanza Region. The team conducted a raid on a rental residence in the village, where they discovered 134 brooms that were suspected to contain narcotic substances. Additionally, two large sacks, each weighing 90 kilograms, were recovered, filled with dried plant material believed to be cannabis sativa. The discovery of these narcotic items further underscores the growing issue of cannabis trafficking in the region. The eight suspects taken into custody are awaiting legal proceedings.
This latest crackdown follows a series of successful operations by NACADA and law enforcement agencies aimed at dismantling drug trafficking and distribution networks across the country. Just a month prior, authorities in Kisii County had successfully dismantled a major drug distribution operation tied to a notorious drug baron, underscoring the strategic momentum in the ongoing war against drugs.
NACADA has continued to emphasize the importance of a multi-agency approach in tackling the drug trade. The agency has committed to working closely with various law enforcement and intelligence agencies to ensure that the perpetrators of such crimes are brought to justice. The goal is to not only apprehend and prosecute those involved in drug trafficking but also to prevent the spread of illicit substances that can have a devastating impact on local communities.
The agency has also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious drug-related activities. Anonymity is assured through the use of a toll-free hotline (1192), which provides an important channel for community involvement in the fight against drug abuse and trafficking.
These operations are part of NACADA’s broader strategy to protect communities and raise awareness about the dangers of narcotics. The agency remains committed to its mission of promoting a drug-free society, and it continues to seek cooperation from all sectors of society in order to effectively combat the pervasive threat of drug abuse in Kenya.
