Eldoret Police Impound Sh3 Million Bhang, Arrest Two Suspects
Commander Mwanthi also verified that the two suspects arrested are in custody and will be arraigned in court on Thursday.
Police officers in the Uasin Gishu County have successfully impounded a bulk consignment of bhang .
By Juliet Jerotich
Police officers in the Uasin Gishu County have successfully impounded a bulk consignment of bhang worth over Sh3 million. The operation was carried out in the early hours of Tuesday morning when police intercepted a lorry at the Maili Nne area, leading to the arrest of two suspects.
The Baharini Police Station officers initiated a pursuit of the vehicle at approximately 2 a.m. following a crucial tip-off from the watchful community members keen on assisting the police in case-solving. The lorry, which had three occupants, was intercepted by police at approximately 4 a.m. Two were arrested on the spot, while the third suspect fled on foot and remains at large.
On search, the police discovered 12 bags of bhang in the vehicle. Preliminary investigations show that the drugs were smuggled from a neighboring country and were headed for Likoni in Mombasa to be sold.
Commander Mwanthi also verified that the two suspects arrested are in custody and will be arraigned in court on Thursday. Police also intend to seek legal orders to forfeit the lorry to the state as it is alleged to have been used to coordinate the drug trafficking operation.
We’re collaborating hand-in-hand with the Truck Owners Association and their Secretary General to combat drug trafficking. Some truck owners would not even be aware that their trucks are being used for such criminal activities. We wish them to notify us when their trucks pass through Uasin Gishu so that we can conduct checks on any suspicious operations,” Mwanthi added.
He further explained that drug traffickers have switched tactics, opting to use large commercial lorries to smuggle drugs instead of luxury private cars. “As they adapt their methods, we are also adapting our methods. Currently, our primary focus is to intercept such lorries,” he continued, cautioning truck drivers against collaborating with drug syndicates.
The police boss also called on the judiciary to give harsher sentences to convicted drug dealers to act as a deterrent. The boss called upon citizens to be vigilant and report any suspicious activities. “We need to safeguard our youth. Bhang consumption ruins lives and jeopardizes futures,” Mwanthi emphasized.
Also, he advised school officials to cooperate with police by deploying sniffer dogs during school reopening periods, particularly in high schools and colleges, since drug invasion of schools escalates.
In concordance with Mwanthi, County Criminal Investigation Officer Daniel Muleli appealed to residents to help fight drugs. “If the bhang had reached its destination, it could have ended up in the hands of students and youths. We have to unite to tackle this evil before it destroys a whole generation,” Muleli added.
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