A 68-year-old woman has been arrested in Athi River during an intelligence-led operation conducted by officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).

The operation involved the Anti-Narcotics Unit (ANU) and the Transnational Organised Crime Unit (TOCU), who acted on information linking suspected narcotics activities within Mutete Flats and surrounding areas.

The person of interest was intercepted at the main entrance of Mutete Flats while riding as a pillion passenger on a motorcycle. Officers stated that the interception was part of surveillance activities targeting individuals suspected of involvement in cannabis distribution networks operating within the area.

During a search conducted at the scene, officers recovered three handbags containing packages of Cannabis Sativa. The items were secured as exhibits for further analysis. The suspect was taken into custody and escorted for processing ahead of court proceedings.

“68-year-old Teresia Mwikali Amukoa has found herself facing the long arm of the law, thanks to detectives from the Anti-Narcotics Unit (ANU) and the Transnational Organised Crime Unit (TOCU), her role in the shadowy world of narcotics trafficking has finally come to light,” read the DCI statement in part.

Seizure of exhibits

Following the arrest, detectives extended the operation to the suspect’s residence. During the search, additional consignments of suspected cannabis were recovered, including packages stored in a basket and a clear polythene bag. The items were packaged and secured as exhibits for investigative purposes.

The suspect was taken to Muthaiga Police Station for processing ahead of arraignment in court. Investigators indicated that forensic examination of the recovered substances would be conducted as part of ongoing inquiries into the suspected distribution network.

Authorities stated that the operation forms part of continued enforcement actions targeting narcotics trafficking in Athi River and surrounding areas.

Earlier anti-narcotics operations in Athi River

The arrest follows another operation conducted in the same area on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, during which four persons of interest were arrested following coordinated raids on two mabati houses in Kisumu Ndogo and a rented residential house at Ngimo Apartment.

Police recovered multiple packages and bales of dry cannabis during the April operation. The individuals were taken to Muthaiga Police Station for processing as investigations continued into suspected drug trafficking activities in the area.

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations stated that operations targeting narcotics networks remain ongoing. Members of the public were urged to report suspicious activities.

Authorities indicated that enforcement actions in Athi River will continue as part of broader national efforts to disrupt drug trafficking networks and strengthen community safety. Investigations into the May 8 arrest are ongoing as officers pursue additional leads linked to the recovered exhibits.