In a decisive crackdown on drug abuse and the illegal alcohol trade in Nairobi, the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) enforcement team carried out a high-stakes operation in Mutuini, Ndonyo Market, located in Dagoretti Sub-County. The mission, conducted at around 4:00 PM on Tuesday, May 20, targeted well-known hubs associated with drug trafficking and illicit alcohol brewing.
The enforcement operation, led by a senior police officer and supported by a team of 15 officers, focused initially on four suspected chang’aa dens. However, upon arrival, the team found these locations already vacated, suggesting that the operators may have been tipped off or had abandoned the premises in anticipation of the raid. No contraband or suspects were found at the scene.
Undeterred by the initial setback, the enforcement team redirected their attention to a nearby area adjacent to a railway line a notorious hotspot for drug activity. Here, a large group of young men were discovered openly consuming narcotics. As the officers advanced, a sudden burst of chaos ensued. Startled by the raid, the individuals fled in different directions, seeking cover in nearby shanties and open fields. In their hasty retreat, they left behind a large three-quarter sack of what was believed to be cannabis.
The officers successfully recovered the suspected narcotics, but the situation quickly escalated when a group of irate youth regrouped and began hurling stones at the enforcement team and their vehicle. The aggression forced the officers to make a strategic withdrawal to prevent further violence. Fortunately, no injuries were reported during the confrontation.
Following the incident, the recovered substance was securely transported and stored at the Jogoo Road Police Station’s exhibit facility, with an official report filed at Riruta Police Station for further action.
The lead officer in the operation stressed that this was merely the beginning of intensified efforts to clean up the area. According to him, such crackdowns are essential in the broader fight against drug trafficking and the proliferation of illegal alcohol, both of which have had a devastating impact on the youth. He emphasized that the enforcement team would continue to carry out unannounced operations to root out the criminal networks involved in these illegal trades.
Residents of Mutuini have long voiced their concerns about the unchecked rise in drug-related activities and the prevalence of alcoholism, particularly among the youth. Many families in the area have been affected, with numerous young people falling into cycles of addiction and crime. The recent intervention by NACADA has been widely welcomed by community members, who view it as a vital step toward restoring safety and order in their neighborhoods.
While the situation remains tense, especially given the hostile reaction from some sections of the youth, authorities remain committed to pursuing those involved in the drug trade. The enforcement team plans to enhance collaboration with community leaders and local law enforcement to ensure that future operations are even more effective and that the root causes of drug abuse are addressed through a combination of law enforcement, education, and rehabilitation programs.
