Undercover police officers in Mombasa have intercepted a major narcotics consignment cleverly disguised as second-hand clothes, commonly known as mitumba. The operation unfolded in Changamwe, where a targeted ambush was mounted following credible intelligence about a bus transporting illegal drugs.
The bust occurred on the night of August 11, 2025, when officers identified a Buscar Bus Ltd vehicle suspected of ferrying contraband. The vehicle was stopped at Changamwe Roundabout, where it was observed offloading a suspicious bale wrapped in clothing to resemble mitumba.
Moments later, a man riding a motorcycle arrived at the scene to collect the package. Officers swiftly moved in, apprehending the suspect as he attempted to load the bale onto his motorcycle. The man, identified as the key person of interest in the operation, was taken into custody for further investigation.
Upon inspection, the bale was found to contain a 90-kilogram sack filled with rolls of cannabis sativa, commonly referred to as bhang. The narcotics had been carefully packed in black polythene bags and hidden beneath layers of second-hand clothing to mask their true nature.
Authorities believe the operation was part of a wider drug trafficking network using public transport and disguised packaging to smuggle illegal substances into the region. The method, they noted, was intended to evade detection during transit and delivery.
Police have confirmed that the suspect is currently being processed and will be arraigned in court. Investigations are ongoing to trace the source of the narcotics and identify other individuals linked to the smuggling ring.
The bust highlights the growing sophistication of drug traffickers, who continue to exploit everyday goods and transport systems to conceal their activities. Law enforcement agencies are intensifying their crackdown on such networks, combining intelligence gathering with swift tactical operations to intercept consignments before they reach their intended markets.
The police have urged the public to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activities that could be linked to narcotics distribution. They reiterated that community cooperation remains essential in dismantling trafficking operations and keeping dangerous drugs off the streets.
This successful interception in Changamwe underscores the importance of coordinated efforts between intelligence officers and local police in combating the spread of illicit drugs in the country.
