Police nab man linked to bhang peddling in Mandera
By Cynthia Lodite, January 30, 2026Police officers from Mandera East Sub-County have apprehended a man linked to bhang peddling in Mandera County.
In a post by the National Police Service on their official X account on Friday, January 30, 2026, the police confirmed that the person of interest was nabbed during a night routine patrol within the sub-county.
“Earlier today, officers from the National Police Service in Mandera East Sub-County, Mandera County, arrested a suspected drug trafficker during a routine patrol within Mandera Town,” NPS said.
At the time of the arrest, the officers recovered fifty small rolled bundles of cannabis concealed in a small bag.
In addition, the officers confirmed that the man had a machete hidden in his backpack, which was later recovered and seized as an exhibit.
“The suspect was found to be in possession of 50 small rolled bundles of cannabis, concealed within a small bag. A machete, which had been hidden on his back, was also recovered. The items were seized as exhibits,” NPS explained.
The person of interest is currently in police custody, awaiting arraignment in court, as investigations into the matter continue.
“The National Police Service remains committed to combating narcotics and related crimes and continues to enhance patrols and intelligence-led operations to ensure public safety and security,” NPS added.
Earlier, detectives had also apprehended two persons of interest linked to selling bhang in a butchery.
Kilifi arrest
The Mandera arrest came just days after Anti-Narcotics Unit detectives arrested two persons of interest linked to 200 rolls and 9 kg of bhang seized after an intelligence-led operation in Langobaya, in Kilifi County.
In a statement on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, the National Police Service said the police conducted a successful operation in Chakama Township, and during the operation, officers searched a shop, which resulted in the recovery of 220 rolls and 9 kilograms of suspected cannabis sativa that were concealed together with other items in a steel box.
“Acting on a tip-off from the public, police officers from Langobaya Police Station yesterday, 27th January 2026, conducted a successful operation in Chakama Township, Langobaya Division, Kilifi County. During the operation, officers searched a shop, which resulted in the recovery of 220 rolls and 9 kilograms of suspected cannabis sativa. The narcotics, along with other items, had been concealed in a steel box,” NPS stated.
This even comes as the government continues to crack down on drug trafficking, with President William Ruto recently proposing a death penalty for traffickers.