A well-coordinated intelligence-driven operation by officers from the Anti-Narcotics Unit (ANU) has dealt a significant blow to a narcotics trafficking ring following the arrest of two suspects and the recovery of a large consignment of suspected narcotic drugs in the early hours of today.
The operation unfolded at around 0200 hours, when vigilant ANU detectives acting on actionable intelligence regarding individuals involved in trafficking narcotic substances mounted a targeted operation in Ng’alalya area of Joska, within Mavoko Sub-County, Machakos County.
Upon arrival in the area, the officers intercepted a motor vehicle registration number KCA 484R, a navy blue Toyota Auris, which had been flagged as a possible carrier of the illicit consignment.
The detectives swiftly moved in and secured the vehicle before conducting a meticulous search.
Their efforts yielded a significant discovery.
Hidden inside the vehicle were three greenish gunny bags and eleven yellow-taped bales, all packed with greenish dry plant material suspected to be narcotic drugs.
The seized exhibits were carefully secured as evidence.
Two suspects who were in the vehicle at the time were immediately arrested.
They have been identified as 30-year-old Charles Otibong’or Muruga and 29-year-old Joel Dienya Swart.
However, during the operation, the driver of the vehicle, identified only as Newton, managed to escape from the scene by a whisker.
Detectives have since launched a manhunt for the fugitive suspect as investigations intensify.
Preliminary assessments indicate that the recovered consignment has an approximate weight of 180 kilograms, with an estimated street value of Ksh. 5,400,000.
The recovered exhibits have since been securely transported and stored at the DCI Headquarters exhibits store, where they are pending official weighing and sampling to ascertain the precise weight and value as part of the ongoing investigations.
Meanwhile, the suspects are currently being held at Muthaiga Police Station, where they remain in custody pending arraignment before court on charges related to trafficking in narcotic drugs.
The motor vehicle used in the suspected trafficking operation has been detained at Joska Police Station, awaiting transfer to the DCI Headquarters yard as investigations progress.
Detectives are actively pursuing leads aimed at tracking down the escaped suspect and dismantling the broader network believed to be behind the trafficking operation.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations reiterates its unwavering commitment to combating narcotics trafficking and protecting communities from the devastating impact of illicit drugs, and urges members of the public to continue sharing information that can aid in the fight against drug-related crimes.
