Authorities have seized cannabis valued at over Sh3 million during a major night raid on the outskirts of Kitale town. The operation, which targeted a suspected drug den, was the result of weeks of surveillance and was carried out by the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA), in collaboration with the Anti-Narcotics Unit, Administration Police, and local security teams.
The raid, executed just hours before the Jukwaa la Usalama Trans Nzoia forum, marks a significant step in the ongoing fight against drug abuse in the region. The drugs, believed to have been intended for distribution within Trans Nzoia County, were found concealed in multiple sacks hidden inside a residential building.
Six suspects were arrested during the operation and are currently in custody undergoing interrogation. Authorities believe the suspects could be linked to a wider network of drug traffickers operating in the region.
The successful operation was made possible through coordinated efforts from multiple security agencies. Senior police officials oversaw the deployment and execution, ensuring the arrest of the main suspect and the recovery of the illicit consignment.
The cannabis seizure has been described as a breakthrough in the crackdown on narcotics, especially given the growing concern over drug use among the youth in the area. Officials reiterated their commitment to intensifying such operations and ensuring that every hotspot is shut down.
Residents of Kitale have welcomed the development, applauding the swift and decisive action by security agencies. Many have expressed hope that continued enforcement will help curb the spread of drug use, which has been a growing concern in the region.
Authorities are now calling on the public to take an active role in the fight by reporting suspicious activities. They have assured whistleblowers of full protection and confidentiality.
The timing of the raid just ahead of a major public security forum was seen as a deliberate message to criminal elements that the government is intensifying its efforts to combat drug-related crime. Further investigations are ongoing to determine the full extent of the trafficking network and bring all perpetrators to justice.
