Three arrested as police seize chang’aa, bhang in Homa Bay

NPS said officers from Mbita police station acted on a tip-off from members of the public and swiftly conducted a raid targeting illicit alcohol and drugs.

Police have arrested three suspects and recovered illicit alcohol, cannabis and uncustomed cigarettes during an operation on Rusinga Island in Homa Bay county.

In a statement on Tuesday, the National Police Service (NPS) said officers from Mbita police station acted on a tip-off from members of the public and swiftly conducted a raid targeting illicit alcohol and drugs.

“Today, officers from Mbita Police Station swiftly acted on a tip-off from the public and conducted an operation targeting illicit alcohol and drugs on Rusinga Island,” the statement read in part.

During the operation, police seized 42 litres of chang’aa, 29 rolls of cannabis and 83 packets of uncustomed cigarettes.

The three suspects were arrested and are in custody awaiting court proceedings while the exhibits have been secured at the station.

The NPS said the raid was part of its intensified campaign against illicit alcohol and drug abuse, adding that similar crackdowns will continue across the country.

“The National Police Service remains committed to intensifying the fight against illicit alcohol and drug abuse. Similar operations will continue across the nation as part of ongoing efforts to ensure a safe and drug-free society,” the statement added.

The Homa Bay arrests come as police intensify countrywide efforts to curb drug trafficking and related offences.

In Busia county, officers based at Busia police station intercepted a bus destined for Nairobi at the Suo roadblock along the Busia–Kisumu highway.

Upon searching it, they recovered 10 bales of cannabis sativa weighing 10 kilograms and valued at approximately Sh300,000.

One suspect was arrested in connection with the consignment and remains in custody awaiting arraignment.

The NPS commended the officers for their swift and coordinated efforts and reiterated its commitment to the fight against drug trafficking.

Elsewhere in Timboroa, police acting on credible intelligence on Monday intercepted a metallic grey Toyota Noah on the Eldoret–Nakuru highway.

A search of the vehicle led to the recovery of four sacks containing 759 brooms of cannabis.

One suspect was arrested and the narcotics seized as evidence.

The vehicle was impounded at the station as police urged continued public cooperation in combating the narcotics trade.

The NPS urged members of the public to keep providing timely information to aid in combating crime through emergency numbers 999, 911 and 112, or via the #FichuaKwaDCI toll-free line 0800 722 203 and WhatsApp number 0709 570 000.