Police have launched an extensive manhunt in Timboroa Forest after persons of interest beat their dragnet, abandoned their vehicle, and dashed deep into the large area dominated by trees.

In a statement on Saturday, August 2, 2025, the National Police Service (NPS) confirmed the incident, disclosing that it occurred along the Eldoret-Nakuru Highway.

According to the statement, the Officer Commanding Station (OCS) of Timboroa received credible intelligence indicating that a white Toyota Probox motor vehicle was transporting Cannabis along the busy Eldoret-Nakuru Highway.

Determined to nab the car and the occupants, the OCS mounted a roadblock at Timboroa Stage. However, the motorists managed to dodge the roadblock and sped off despite the spikes deflating some tyres.

“Shortly afterwards, the vehicle approached the checkpoint with three occupants on board. Upon spotting the police, the driver attempted to evade arrest by speeding off and avoiding the spike barrier. However, two of the vehicle’s right-side tyres were deflated in the process, bringing it to a halt near Lake Narasha,” NPS explained in the statement.

Flee on foot

The occupants of the car abandoned it and fled deep into Timboroa Forest. However, the security officers discovered two bales of cannabis weighing 10.5 kilograms and wrapped in yellow Sellotape.

Police said the content has an estimated street value of Ksh600,000.

“All occupants abandoned the vehicle and fled into the nearby Timboroa Forest. A subsequent search led to the recovery of two bales, each weighing approximately 10.5 kilograms and wrapped in yellow Sellotape. The contents, suspected to be cannabis, have an estimated street value of KSh 600,000,” NPS detailed.

“The vehicle was towed to the police station for further investigation. Meanwhile, officers launched an intensive manhunt in the forest to apprehend the suspects.”

The operation is part of the NPS plan to tackle drug trafficking in the country. In the recent operations, various persons of interest have been nabbed, and various narcotics have been nabbed.

As part of the efforts to eliminate drug trafficking, NPS sealed a deal with the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (US DEA)

The agreement was sealed through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), witnessed by the Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja, and the US DEA’s Special Agent in Charge of Africa and the Middle East, Jason Schumacher.

The MoU commits both agencies to deepening cooperation in enforcing drug laws, curbing illicit drug trafficking, and addressing transnational crimes such as money laundering.