War on drugs: 16 traffickers arrested, others deported

Administration Police Officers in Migori display 395 kilograms of bhang with a street value of Sh3.95m. [Caleb Kingwara, Standard]

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) now reveals that some sixteen (16) drug peddlers and traffickers, including foreign nationals, have been arrested in an ongoing nationwide operation.

Among those nabbed in the drug net led by the Anti-Narcotics Unit (ANU) include; Winfred Kanini Musyoki and David Mwonga Munyaka who were arrested on Tuesday, March 19 within Majengo area of Isinya, Kajiado County for peddling drugs.

The duo was found in possession of more than 50 kilograms of bhang and was arraigned at the JKIA Law Courts awaiting bond determination on April 2.

Other suspects identified as Judith Kerubu and Samuel Omondi Audi were also arrested in Nyamira County with a total of 133.5kgs of cannabis after their vehicle was intercepted while in transit to Kajiado.

The duo was charged at the Keroka Law Courts and granted a Sh1m bond with a surety of the same amount.

Also nabbed during the swoop was 65-year-old Ruth Wamboi Maina alias Shosh wa madree who was operating from Githurai and Majengo area of Kasarani.

"She operated under the guise of a retail shop that was known for peddling heroin, bhang, and illicit brews such as muratina and chang'aa," DCI said.

Two other suspects, Margaret Owino and Joyce Akoth Atanasi were arrested on March 15 at Kware, Ongata Rongai after their den known for supplying drugs to nearby universities was raided by the DCI sleuths.

"Eddy Owino, a Kenyan and Janeth Israel Masaki- a Tanzanian were both arrested with Joyce and Maggy while assisting them to package drugs for further distribution. The four were arraigned before JKIA Law Courts on March 20, 2024," the statement went on.

Also arrested were Florence Wanjiku and her daughter Ether Wambui Wachira from Nairobi's Grogon area, found in possession of over 1.5kgs of heroin valued at Sh7.5m.

Others behind bars for the trade include Julius Karomo and Mohammed Juma and Nigerian nationals; Stephen Igboke Okwuchukwu, Titu Ebuka, and Kanu Arinze.

"We appeal to the public to volunteer information that may lead to the arrest of one Stephen Mwihia Mbugua aka Cena who fled his hideout known as 'Kuku Kienyehi" in Mwiki during a raid by our officers," DCI stated, noting that the suspect is known for peddling cannabis in the area.