Police have confiscated 50 sacks of bhang weighing approximately 2,400 kilograms, with an estimated street value of KSh72 million, and arrested six suspected traffickers believed to be part of a wider drug distribution network.
According to investigators, the operation unfolded on Saturday following a series of tip-offs from members of the public and surveillance conducted along the Mombasa–Nairobi highway.
According to investigators, the operation unfolded on Saturday following a series of tip-offs from members of the public and surveillance conducted along the Mombasa–Nairobi highway.
Acting on the intelligence, ANU detectives intercepted a heavy commercial truck suspected to be ferrying narcotics into the coastal city.
The truck, a large goods vehicle bearing registration number KDT 659G, was flagged down along a busy section of the highway.
The truck, a large goods vehicle bearing registration number KDT 659G, was flagged down along a busy section of the highway.
Upon inspection, officers discovered 50 concealed sacks hidden within the cargo area, each packed with long, tightly rolled bundles of cannabis sativa wrapped in khaki paper. The officers later confirmed the total weight to be 2.4 tonnes.
The truck driver, Nolden Ogola Misieba, and his co-driver, Andrew Kaida, were arrested on the spot and taken into custody for further interrogation.
As the initial arrests were being processed, detectives pursued leads pointing to additional vehicles allegedly assigned to receive and distribute the narcotics within Mombasa County.
The truck driver, Nolden Ogola Misieba, and his co-driver, Andrew Kaida, were arrested on the spot and taken into custody for further interrogation.
As the initial arrests were being processed, detectives pursued leads pointing to additional vehicles allegedly assigned to receive and distribute the narcotics within Mombasa County.
An extended operation led to the tracing and interception of three smaller cars suspected to be part of the final delivery chain.
The vehicles included a Toyota Noah (KCL 458S), a Nissan Note (KCZ 567R), and a Toyota Vitz (KDQ 867K).
The vehicles included a Toyota Noah (KCL 458S), a Nissan Note (KCZ 567R), and a Toyota Vitz (KDQ 867K).
Police believe these cars were waiting to be loaded with smaller quantities of the bhang for rapid distribution across various neighbourhoods in the region.
Three additional suspects — Jefferson Kamau, Lawrence Onyango, John Lutomia, and Samuel Juma Okoth — were apprehended during the secondary phase of the operation, bringing the total number of arrests to six.
Three additional suspects — Jefferson Kamau, Lawrence Onyango, John Lutomia, and Samuel Juma Okoth — were apprehended during the secondary phase of the operation, bringing the total number of arrests to six.
All suspects are being held at a Mombasa police facility as authorities intensify investigations into the trafficking ring.
The four vehicles, together with the seized sacks of bhang, have been impounded as exhibits pending further forensic analysis and presentation in court.
In a statement released shortly after the operation, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) praised the ANU team for executing what it described as a critical strike against a well-organised criminal enterprise.
The four vehicles, together with the seized sacks of bhang, have been impounded as exhibits pending further forensic analysis and presentation in court.
In a statement released shortly after the operation, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) praised the ANU team for executing what it described as a critical strike against a well-organised criminal enterprise.
The statement highlighted the importance of continuous surveillance and strong community collaborations in disrupting drug trafficking activities along Kenya’s transport corridors.
“A well-coordinated operation led by Anti-Narcotics Unit detectives in Mombasa has resulted in the arrest of six traffickers along with the seizure of bhang valued at approximately KSh72 million,” the DCI noted, adding that such seizures significantly weaken the financial networks that support organised crime.
The agency also acknowledged the contribution of residents whose tips played a pivotal role in the success of the operation.
“A well-coordinated operation led by Anti-Narcotics Unit detectives in Mombasa has resulted in the arrest of six traffickers along with the seizure of bhang valued at approximately KSh72 million,” the DCI noted, adding that such seizures significantly weaken the financial networks that support organised crime.
The agency also acknowledged the contribution of residents whose tips played a pivotal role in the success of the operation.
“The DCI remains steadfast in the war against drug trafficking and salutes vigilant members of the public whose timely tip-offs keep our communities safer,” the statement read.
Drug trafficking remains a major security concern for coastal authorities, with Mombasa often flagged as a transit point for narcotics destined for both local consumption and wider East African distribution.
Drug trafficking remains a major security concern for coastal authorities, with Mombasa often flagged as a transit point for narcotics destined for both local consumption and wider East African distribution.
The latest seizure adds to a series of crackdowns this year aimed at dismantling supply chains and intercepting drug consignments moving through the region.
Police say investigations are ongoing, with detectives seeking to establish the broader network behind the 2.4-tonne consignment and whether the suspects may be linked to previous trafficking incidents reported in the area.
Police say investigations are ongoing, with detectives seeking to establish the broader network behind the 2.4-tonne consignment and whether the suspects may be linked to previous trafficking incidents reported in the area.
More arrests are expected as the probe widens.
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