A multi-agency operation in Siaya County has exposed a large cache of narcotics and illicit alcohol stored dangerously close to a primary school, sending shockwaves through the community. The raid took place in Mainga Village, Nyandhiwa Sub-Location, right across the fence from Awelo Primary School, where children’s safety was directly at risk.
The crackdown, prompted by public outcry, was spearheaded by a special task force comprising the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA), the National Police Service (NPS), and the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA). Officers stormed the hideout and discovered an alarming stockpile of drugs and contraband meant for distribution within the region.
The recovered items included:
- 1,010 rolls of bhang
- 15 brooms of bhang and bhang seedlings packed in 3 bags
- 353 packets of Supermatch cigarettes meant for export
- 240 sticks of Oris cigarettes
- 100 litres of illicit chang’aa
- 36 bottles of Ugin
- 179 bottles of Simba Waragi Gin
- Ksh. 75,610 in suspected proceeds from illegal sales
One suspect was apprehended at the scene and is in custody as investigations continue. Authorities believe the haul is linked to a broader network of suppliers targeting communities and schools.
The bust is part of an ongoing nationwide Rapid Results Initiative (RRI) aimed at clamping down on the sale and consumption of narcotics and illegal brews. With cases of drug abuse increasingly reported near learning institutions, enforcement agencies are intensifying their efforts to dismantle networks that exploit vulnerable communities.
Officials stressed that the war against drugs has now entered a new, more aggressive phase. Crackdowns will not only target large-scale suppliers but also small-time peddlers who often use schools and residential estates as cover for their activities. Communities have been urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious operations, especially those operating near schools where children are most at risk.
The seized drugs and alcohol have been secured as evidence while investigators pursue leads to unmask financiers and distributors connected to the racket. The message from authorities is clear — Kenya will not tolerate the spread of drugs and illicit brews, and operations will continue until the networks are dismantled.
