Police officers in Itugururu, Tharaka Nithi County, have arrested a person of interest whom they have linked to narcotics peddling.

The National Police Service (NPS), in a statement issued via social media on Monday, August 18, 2025, said that the arrest followed an intelligence-led operation at Itugururu Market.

According to NPS, officers on routine foot patrol in the market were tipped off by members of the public about a notorious drug dealer operating near the Itugururu Matatu Stage.

“Today, 18th August 2025 – Officers from the National Police Service stationed at Itugururu Police Post, while on foot patrol in Itugururu Market, received intelligence from the public about a notorious narcotics peddler operating near the Itugururu Matatu Stage,” NPS stated.

The officers swiftly responded to the alert, prompting the suspect to flee into nearby buildings.

33 rolls of cannabis

However, after a brief chase, police managed to apprehend him. The NPS says a search revealed 33 rolls of cannabis in his possession.

The person of interest was taken into custody and is awaiting processing and arraignment in court on Tuesday, August 19, 2025. The seized drugs have been secured as evidence.

NPS has commended members of the public for their cooperation, noting that community intelligence remains a crucial tool in the fight against narcotics.

“The officers responded immediately, but upon arrival, the suspect fled towards nearby buildings. After a pursuit, he was apprehended and, upon search, was found in possession of 33 rolls of cannabis. The suspect is currently in custody, pending processing and arraignment, while the exhibits have been secured at the same facility. National Police Service commends the public for their continued cooperation with law enforcement in combating illicit drugs,” the statement read.

Drugs crackdown

The incident follows a similar operation in Mombasa.

Through its X handle on Saturday, August 16, 2025, the anti-crime entity revealed that it had arrested a truck driver in Mariakani after he was found transporting a large quantity of cannabis sativa.

According to the statement, officers from the National Police Service, acting on intelligence, intercepted a trailer along the Mariakani–Mazeras Road, where they conducted a thorough search.

“Upon a thorough search, they recovered six sacks containing approximately six thousand (6,000) large rolls of cannabis sativa,” the statement read in parts.

The suspect, who was driving the trailer at the time of interception, was taken into custody and escorted to the Coast Regional Police Headquarters for further processing.