Police arrest person of interest linked to drug trafficking in Kisumu
By Mustafa Juma, March 12, 2026National Police Service (NPS) officers have arrested one person of interest linked to drug trafficking following an operation conducted in Kisumu.
In a statement issued via social media on Thursday, March 12, 2026, NPS said that the arrest comes as the police in the region intensify operations targeting the trafficking and distribution of illegal drugs.
This, the police say, is part of ongoing efforts to safeguard public safety and combat substance abuse.
The officers are said to have intercepted a public service vehicle and conducted a search, leading to the discovery of two sacks of bhang concealed in the vehicle’s boot during a routine patrol in the lakeside city.
Bhang in transit
According to the officers, the intercepted consignment weighed approximately 90 kilograms and was believed to have been in transit.
“Police in Kisumu have intensified operations targeting the trafficking and distribution of illegal drugs as part of ongoing efforts to safeguard public safety and combat substance abuse,” the NPS stated.
“During a routine patrol within the city, officers intercepted a public service vehicle and conducted a search, leading to the discovery of two sacks of bhang concealed in the vehicle’s boot. The consignment, weighing approximately 90 kilograms, is believed to have been in transit.”
Following the operation, one male person of interest, whose identity has not been revealed, was arrested and placed into custody to await arraignment.
“One suspect was arrested in connection with the incident and is currently in police custody pending arraignment in court, while the recovered narcotics have been secured as exhibits. The operation forms part of ongoing efforts by the National Police Service to disrupt drug trafficking networks and protect communities from the harmful effects of illicit drugs,” the statement read.
“The National Police Service continues to urge members of the public to report suspicious activities through the emergency hotlines 999, 911, or 112, or via the #FichuaKwaDCI toll-free line 0800 722 203 and WhatsApp number 0709 570 000.”
Webuye operation
This comes days after police officers intercepted a motor vehicle along the Webuye–Kitale Highway in a targeted operation aimed at disrupting the transportation of illicit drugs.
In a statement shared via its official X account on Monday, March 9, 2026, the NPS noted that the driver of the vehicle defied a lawful order to stop and instead sped off, prompting a high-speed pursuit by the officers.
“National Police Service officers intercepted a motor vehicle along the Webuye–Kitale Highway in a targeted operation aimed at disrupting the transportation of illicit drugs. The driver defied a lawful order to stop and instead sped off, prompting a high-speed pursuit by the officers,” the NPS stated.
According to the police, the driver went on to abandon the vehicle at Malaha Junction after it developed mechanical problems and fled the scene on foot, evading immediate arrest.