Police Recover 700 Rolls of Bhang and Contraband in Mandera
Photo/Courtesy.
By Ruth Sang
In Mandera County, a huge cache of cannabis among other contraband goods was intercepted by security officers in a successful operation in Rhamu, Mandera North Sub-County. The National Police Service confirmed the seizure in a statement issued on Monday, stating that it was discovered during a routine crime scene investigation in the Shatoley area.
According to the police report, the officers were pursuing a different line of investigation when they came upon the drugs. Recovered items included 700 rolls of cannabis, three kilograms of unprocessed bhang, and an unregistered motorcycle suspected to have been used for transportation of the drugs. The officers promptly secured the items as exhibits pending further analysis and legal procedures.
Authorities believe that the recovered drugs were meant for distribution within Mandera and possibly across the Kenya–Somalia border. The NPS indicated that such illegal trade poses a serious threat to public safety and fuels the criminal networks operating in the region.
Police have since launched a manhunt for the suspect linked to the consignment, who managed to flee the scene before the officers’ arrival. Investigations are ongoing to establish the suspect’s identity and uncover the full extent of the drug network. “Our officers are working tirelessly to bring those responsible to justice. We will not relent in the fight against drug trafficking and other forms of criminal activity,” the statement from NPS read in part.
The NPS further praised the timely response by the officers who identified the contraband and asked the public to continue cooperating in crime combat. The Service called upon residents of Mandera County and counties neighboring it to show unrelenting vigilance, for which they should report any movement or action that raises suspicion to local security agencies.
“The fight against narcotics requires a joint effort between law enforcement agencies and the community. We encourage members of the public to share information that can assist in eradicating the circulation and consumption of illegal drugs,” the NPS added.
There have been several rounds of police operations in Mandera County in the recent past targeting the smuggling of narcotics and contraband goods across the border. Authorities have attributed these cases to well-organized cartels that take advantage of remote routes for illegal trade. The seizure of the 700 rolls of bhang reinforces yet another victory for security agencies in their ongoing crack down on illicit trade, a commitment by the government to curbing the spread of drugs and ensuring security in the region.
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