Five individuals have been arrested in Bungoma County following a coordinated security operation targeting illegal alcohol and drug activities in Sitikho Location, Webuye West Sub-County. The raid was conducted by officers from Matisi Police Station in collaboration with National Government Administration Officers and local village elders.
The operation resulted in the recovery of significant quantities of illicit substances. Authorities seized 220 litres of kangara and 85 litres of chang’aa during the raid. Although two suspects managed to flee, a subsequent search of their residences led to further discoveries. An additional 85 litres of chang’aa, 120 litres of kangara, 136 rolls of cannabis sativa, and 120 grams of unprocessed cannabis were recovered from their homes.
The operation marked a major step in the fight against illegal alcohol and drug networks that have long posed a threat to community safety and public health. The arrested individuals are currently in police custody as investigations continue. Authorities also stated that efforts are underway to locate and apprehend the two suspects who escaped during the operation.
The crackdown in Bungoma is part of a broader national campaign to dismantle illegal networks involved in the distribution and sale of illicit substances. These operations are being conducted with the support of both law enforcement agencies and local communities, whose cooperation is crucial in identifying and addressing areas most affected by the trade in illicit drugs and brews.
This latest operation comes in the wake of similar actions in other parts of the country. Just a few days earlier, a successful raid in Kisii County saw law enforcement officers seize a large quantity of chang’aa and narcotics. On May 27, officers from Sameta Sub-County confiscated 481 litres of chang’aa at Itumbe Stage. In addition to the alcohol, the team recovered what appeared to be cannabis sativa, two imitation FN rifles, a toy pistol, and other items believed to be connected to criminal activity.
One suspect was arrested during the Kisii raid and remains under investigation. The discovery of weapons alongside narcotics in this case raised serious concerns about the possible links between the illegal drug trade and other forms of crime.
In a separate incident on May 31, officers in Kwale County arrested another suspect during a raid at Makina Chini Village. Based on a tip-off, the police from Mackinnon Road Police Station raided a plot where they discovered six sacks filled with suspected narcotics. Further searches led to the recovery of 73 cannabis sticks, 40 of which were found on a bed and 33 wrapped in brown paper inside a jerrycan. The items were believed to be prepared for distribution.
Two rooms on the targeted premises were used to store the illegal cannabis plants. The recovered narcotics are now being held as evidence as investigations proceed.
These recent operations highlight the ongoing efforts by security agencies to crack down on the illicit drug and alcohol trade. The operations also reflect a broader strategy of collaboration between police forces, local administrators, and community leaders in rooting out criminal networks.
The authorities have reiterated their commitment to intensifying such efforts in all counties affected by these illegal activities. They also called on members of the public to continue providing information that can aid in the identification and arrest of offenders, stressing that community involvement is essential in curbing the spread of drugs and illegal brews.
