Coast

Woman detained after drug bust in Kwale

Part of the bhang seized by police during the raid in Kwale County on May 4, 2024. (Photo: Farhiya Hussein)

By Farhiya Hussein | Wednesday, June 5, 2024

Officers from the Transnational Organised Crime Unit in Mombasa, with assistance from the Mackinnon Road Police Station, conducted the operation on Tuesday evening.

Police in Kwale County have detained a woman following the discovery of significant quantities of cannabis sativa and bhang in her home.

The raid took place in the village of Shirango, located in the Mackinnon sub-location of Samburu Division, following an intelligence report.

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Officers from the Transnational Organised Crime Unit in Mombasa, with assistance from the Mackinnon Road Police Station, conducted the operation on Tuesday evening.

“During the raid, authorities seized 400 sachets of cannabis sativa, 63 large rolls of bhang, 42 small rolls of bhang, and eight paper bags filled with bhang,” the police stated.

Additionally, Sh7,000 in cash, suspected to be proceeds from illegal activities, was found on the premises.

The woman was arrested at the scene. The evidence was documented before she was escorted to Mariakani Police Station, where she is currently held awaiting arraignment.

Part of the bhang seized by police during the raid in Kwale County on May 4, 2024. (Photo: Farhiya Hussein)

The operation is part of an effort by local law enforcement to combat drug trafficking in the region.

Similar operations

Last month, officers from the Anti-Narcotics Unit in Mombasa arrested two women on suspicion of narcotics trafficking.

The raid, conducted in the Utange area of Kisauni, resulted in the seizure of cocaine sachets with an estimated street value of Sh495,000. According to a police report, the operation was carried out following a tip-off, and the suspects' house was cordoned off, leading to the discovery of the drugs.

This operation is part of a larger law enforcement initiative to combat the spread of narcotics at the Coast.

In March, Mombasa police intercepted 3,500 bundles of bhang disguised as dried fish, which were being transported via courier services.

Mvita Deputy County Commissioner Ronald Mwiwawi noted that the shipment, valued at Sh1.75 million, originated from remote areas, with Mombasa as its final destination.

"The majority of these drugs come from outside the county, and the government has implemented measures such as roadblocks to prevent their influx," he stated.

Mwiwawi also urged transportation companies to be vigilant in inspecting the products they transport to curb drug trafficking and other illegal activities.