A manhunt is underway in Elgeyo Marakwet County after authorities discovered and uprooted 200 kilograms of bhang discreetly cultivated within a maize plantation. The operation was conducted by a multi-agency security team in Kimnai Village, Chugor Sub Location, near the Kerio River.
The officers stumbled upon the illegal crop during a routine patrol and security sweep in the area. Investigators believe the bhang was being grown in secrecy, hidden among maize stalks to avoid detection by both the public and law enforcement.
Initial reports indicate that the illicit plantation was well-maintained and likely tended to regularly, suggesting that the individuals behind it are part of a well-organized drug-peddling network operating in the region. Police say they are actively pursuing suspects believed to be behind the plantation, with ongoing efforts focused on intelligence gathering and surveillance in the surrounding villages.
Authorities have issued a call to local residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious farming activities or unknown individuals seen frequenting farmlands near riverbanks and remote areas. The use of fertile lands along the Kerio River for the cultivation of narcotic plants is a growing concern for security agencies, who warn that the region may be increasingly targeted by cartels looking to exploit remote terrain.
The security team involved in the swoop noted that drug-related crimes continue to pose a threat to communities, especially in rural areas where access to law enforcement may be limited. They emphasized the importance of community cooperation in identifying and reporting such activities.
The incident highlights the ongoing battle against the illegal drug trade in Kenya, particularly in regions previously thought to be insulated from such operations. Authorities reaffirmed their commitment to intensifying operations targeting the cultivation, distribution, and sale of illicit drugs.
Members of the public are encouraged to share tips and report any drug-related activity to the nearest police station, post, or security outpost. As investigations continue, the suspects behind the plantation remain at large, but security officials express confidence that arrests will soon follow.
