10 arrested as NACADA nabs suspected illicit drugs in Homa Bay and Kisii

Ten suspects have been arrested in possession of suspected narcotics and contraband goods during separate crackdowns on illicit substances led by the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) in Homabay and Kisii Counties.

During the multi-agency operation, the authority also seized 400 packets of uncustomed Supermatch cigarettes, 14 packets of Oris cigarettes, and cash in various denominations all suspected to be proceeds from the illicit trade.

Two suspects were arrested with one of them being found in possession of what is believed to be cannabis sativa.

“The contraband cigarettes are thought to have been smuggled into the country without customs clearance, contravening revenue and trade regulations,” said NACADA in a statement.

The suspects are currently being held at Oyugis Police Station pending further investigation.

In Kisii County, NACADA, in collaboration with the National Police Service (NPS), the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), and the Anti-Narcotics Unit (ANU) Nyanza Region, raided a rental residence in Nyakongo Village, Kitutu Central Sub-county and recovered 134 brooms suspected of being narcotic substances and two 90kg sacks of dried plant material believed to be cannabis sativa.

Eight suspects were apprehended and are in police custody awaiting further legal action.

“These operations follow the recent dismantling of a major drug distribution racket linked to a notorious drug baron in Kisii County just a month ago, underscoring NACADA’s determination and strategic momentum in dismantling drug networks across the country,” said the authority in a statement.