Officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have seized cannabis valued at approximately Ksh8.1 million following the arrest of a person of interest in the Rift Valley operation.

The operation was carried out by detectives from the Anti-Narcotics Unit (ANU) on March 14, 2026, along the Eldoret–Nakuru Highway.

Officers on routine patrol flagged a blue Toyota Voxy after it appeared suspicious.

The driver ignored orders to stop and attempted to flee, prompting a high-speed pursuit towards the Kaptembwa area.

“Detectives from the Anti-Narcotics Unit (ANU) in the Rift Valley Region have arrested a suspected drug trafficker and recovered a large consignment of cannabis following a dramatic pursuit along the Eldoret–Nakuru Highway,” DCI’s statement read in part.

During the chase, detectives successfully deflated the vehicle’s right front tyre. Despite the damage, the person of interest continued driving before abandoning the vehicle near Kaptembwa Police Station and attempting to escape. He was quickly apprehended by officers.

The drug

“The incident occurred on March 14, 2026, when officers on routine patrol flagged down a blue Toyota Voxy,, after it aroused suspicion. The driver defied orders to stop and sped off, prompting a high-speed chase towards the Kaptembwa area,” DCI added.

The driver was taken into custody. A search of the vehicle uncovered thirteen sacks containing dry green plant material suspected to be cannabis sativa, weighing approximately 272 kilograms. The estimated value of the seized drugs is Ksh8,160,000.

Date of arraignment

The person of interest remains in police custody and is expected to be arraigned in court on Monday, March 16, 2026.

The DCI has emphasised its continued efforts to intensify operations against narcotics trafficking and to dismantle networks involved in the illicit drug trade.