Police intercept cannabis consignments in separate Mombasa, Kitengela and Busia operations
By Mustafa Juma, June 20, 2026Five persons of interest linked to narcotics trafficking are in police custody following a series of coordinated anti-drug operations in Mombasa, Kitengela and Busia that led to the recovery of large consignments of cannabis sativa worth millions of shillings.
The arrests were made in separate operations conducted by detectives and police officers as authorities intensified efforts to dismantle drug trafficking networks operating across the country.
According to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), the largest seizure was made in Mombasa after detectives from the Anti-Narcotics Unit (ANU), acting on intelligence reports, intercepted a lorry transporting a substantial consignment of cannabis sativa.
“The net is tightening around narcotics traffickers, with five suspects now cooling their heels in police cells after authorities intercepted consignments of cannabis sativa in separate operations in Mombasa, Kitengela and Busia,” the DCI said in a statement shared via X on Saturday, June 20, 2026.
Two arrested in Mombasa
During the operation, officers discovered nine sacks containing Cannabis sativa weighing a total of 450 kilograms.
Authorities estimated the street value of the recovered narcotics at approximately Ksh12.15 million.
The driver of the lorry and his purported accomplice were arrested at the scene and taken into custody pending further investigations.
The lorry was also impounded as part of the ongoing probe.
Kitengela bar raid
In a separate operation in Kitengela, detectives raided Honey Pot Bar following intelligence reports linking the premises to narcotics-related activities.
During the search, the DCI says the officers recovered two bales of cannabis sativa, 16 rolls of bhang and a clear zip-lock polythene bag containing additional quantities of the drug.
The person of interest, Catherine Nzuki, was arrested during the operation and escorted to a police station for processing.
Investigators are expected to establish the source of the narcotics and determine whether the premises were being used as a distribution point.
Busia ambush
Meanwhile, in Busia County, police officers mounted a surveillance and ambush operation at the Butula Mission area after receiving information about suspected drug trafficking activities.
The officers patiently monitored the area before intercepting a motor vehicle.
A search of the vehicle led to the discovery of two tightly packed sacks containing cannabis sativa.
The vehicle’s occupants, the DCI says, were immediately arrested and escorted to Busia Police Station alongside the recovered exhibits.
Authorities have not disclosed the exact weight of the narcotics recovered in Busia but confirmed that investigations are ongoing.
The DCI said all five persons of interest remain in custody as detectives finalise investigations and prepare to arraign them in court.
The recovered narcotics and impounded vehicles have been retained as exhibits and are expected to form part of the prosecution’s case.
“The crackdown continues as law enforcement agencies turn up the heat on drug traffickers, determined to curb the menace of narcotics trafficking in our communities,” the DCI said.
Intensified war against narcotics
The latest arrests come amid ongoing efforts by security agencies to combat the trafficking, distribution and consumption of illegal drugs across the country.
Authorities have in recent months stepped up intelligence-led operations targeting narcotics networks, with law enforcement agencies warning that traffickers will continue to face heightened surveillance and enforcement action.
Police have urged members of the public to continue sharing information on suspected drug-related activities to support efforts aimed at protecting communities from the harmful effects of narcotics.