A multi-agency security team has arrested a person of interest after intercepting approximately three kilograms of cannabis sativa during a routine roadblock operation at Kanyonyoo along the Thika–Garissa Highway.

The National Police Service (NPS), in a statement shared via X on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, said the operation, conducted as part of ongoing security checks, targeted public service vehicles travelling through the busy highway corridor connecting Nairobi and eastern regions.

According to police, the person of interest was aboard a passenger bus travelling from Nairobi to Kitui when officers stopped the vehicle for inspection.

During a thorough search of passengers and luggage, officers identified a black backpack belonging to one of the passengers that raised suspicion.

Upon inspection, the bag was found to contain Cannabis sativa carefully wrapped in green polythene material and sealed with adhesive tape, allegedly in an attempt to evade detection.

“As part of routine security procedures, a multi-agency security team mounted a roadblock in Kanyonyoo along the Thika–Garissa Highway yesterday, where they intercepted a public service vehicle travelling from Nairobi to Kitui,” the NPS stated.

“Upon verification checks and a thorough search of passengers and their luggage, a black backpack belonging to one of the passengers was discovered, containing approximately three kilograms of Cannabis sativa. The substance had been carefully wrapped in green polythene material and further sealed with adhesive tape, evidently in an attempt to evade detection.”

Officers also recovered items believed to be linked to drug distribution activities, including eight packets of rolling papers and a digital weighing scale.

Authorities said the items suggested the suspect intended to repack and distribute the drugs for commercial purposes.

“In addition to the narcotic substance, officers recovered eight packets of rolling papers, each containing one hundred sheets, as well as a digital weighing scale, suggesting intent for repackaging and distribution,” the police stated.

Bungoma supply chain

Preliminary investigations indicate that the person of interest had sourced the narcotic substance from Bungoma County and was transporting it to Kitui Town for sale.

He was immediately arrested and taken to Kanyonyoo Police Station, where he remains in custody pending arraignment.

All recovered exhibits have been secured as evidence.

“Preliminary interrogation of the suspect revealed that he had sourced the cannabis from Bungoma County and was transporting it to Kitui Town for commercial purposes,” the statement reads.

Police praise coordinated operations

Security agencies said the arrest highlights the effectiveness of coordinated multi-agency operations along major transport routes used by traffickers.

They noted that such roadblocks play a key role in disrupting the movement of narcotics and other illicit goods across the country.

Moyale outburst

The incident comes days after police officers in Moyale intercepted narcotics hidden in a lorry at the Odda Roadblock.

In a statement shared on Saturday, May 2, 2026, the service said officers carried out the operation on Friday, May 1, 2026, after receiving intelligence reports.

According to the police, officers stopped a Mitsubishi FH lorry during the operation.

They said the vehicle was transporting goods presented as food supplies.

After searching the lorry, officers found a white sack hidden beneath the produce. Inside the sack, they recovered suspected cannabis sativa weighing 11 kilograms.