One arrested as NACADA seizes narcotics, illicit alcohol in crackdown near school in Siaya

The crackdown, launched in response to mounting public complaints, exposed a disturbing trafficking hub operating in close proximity to schoolchildren and residential homes.

During the operation, authorities recovered 1,010 rolls of bhang, 15 brooms of bhang along with bhang seedlings stored in three bags, 353 packets of Supermatch cigarettes meant for export, and 240 sticks of Oris cigarettes.

In addition, the team seized 100 litres of illicit Chang’aa, 36 bottles of Ugin, and 179 bottles of Simba Waragi Gin. Authorities also recovered Ksh. 75,610 in suspected proceeds from illegal sales.

One suspect was arrested at the scene and is currently in custody pending further investigations and legal action.

The operation was led by NACADA in collaboration with the National Police Service (NPS) and the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), under the ongoing Rapid Results Initiative (RRI) against drug and substance abuse. The initiative is part of a wider national directive from Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen aimed at intensifying the fight against drugs and illicit brews.

Speaking after the operation, NACADA CEO Dr. Anthony Omerikwa reaffirmed the authority’s commitment to eradicating illegal drug activities, especially in areas endangering youth and vulnerable communities.

“This is just the beginning. We are executing a nationwide, multi-agency crackdown on all fronts. Those dealing in drugs and illicit alcohol — be warned: we are not relenting,” Dr. Omerikwa stated.

He emphasized that NACADA will continue to scale up operations in identified hotspots, particularly around schools and densely populated areas where public safety is at risk.

All seized items have been secured as part of ongoing investigations aimed at dismantling the broader trafficking network.