Five persons of interest are in police custody after officers in Kakamega Town conducted a targeted operation that led to the recovery of drugs, uncustomed cigarettes, and suspected stolen goods.

The Saturday, August 16 operation was carried out by officers from the Western Region, with the National Police Service (NPS) confirming the arrests.

In a statement, NPS said, “Police officers from the Western Region, acting on intelligence provided by members of the public, conducted a targeted operation in Kakamega Town on 16 August 2025,” read a post dated August 17, 2025.

Bhang and cigarettes seized

The crackdown resulted in the seizure of about 1,412 rolls of bhang, a substance that continues to fuel the illegal drug trade in Western Kenya. Officers also recovered uncustomed goods, including 16 packets of Oris cigarettes, 25 packets of Milano cigarettes, and one packet of Supermatch. The recovery points to possible smuggling networks taking advantage of porous borders and local demand.

“During the operation, five suspects were arrested for various offences, including possession of approximately 1,412 rolls of bhang, uncustomed goods, comprising 16 packets of Oris cigarettes, 25 packets of Milano cigarettes, one packet of Supermatch, and suspected stolen property, including three 6kg gas cylinders and assorted items,” read the post.

The persons of interest were also found in possession of stolen property. Items recovered included three 6kg gas cylinders and assorted household goods. Police said the items will be subjected to further investigations to establish ownership.

The five are expected to be arraigned on Monday, August 18, as authorities move to fast-track the judicial process. The NPS said the operation demonstrates its resolve to disrupt drug networks, dismantle smuggling rings, and recover stolen goods across the country.

Community intelligence played a central role in the arrests. The police commended members of the public who provided leads, noting that such cooperation is critical in the fight against crime. Residents of Kakamega welcomed the arrests, though some called for long-term interventions to address poverty and joblessness, which they said drive many into crime.

Authorities have in recent months heightened operations targeting narcotics, illicit brews and contraband, particularly around Lake Victoria and border regions. The latest swoop in Kakamega adds to a growing list of successes attributed to public-police partnerships, with the NPS promising sustained vigilance to keep communities safe.