Authorities have seized cannabis worth more than Sh3 million in a night raid in Kitale.
The operation was led by the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) just hours before the Jukwaa la Usalama Trans Nzoia forum.
The raid targeted a suspected drug den on the outskirts of Kitale town.
It was the result of weeks of surveillance and was carried out with support from the Anti-Narcotics Unit, Administration Police, and local law enforcement.
NACADA Chief Executive Officer Anthony Omerikwa described the bust as a major breakthrough in the war against drug abuse, particularly among the youth in Trans Nzoia County.
“Last night’s seizure is a clear message to those poisoning our society: your days are numbered,” Omerikwa said.
“We are closing in on every hotspot, and no one involved in this trade will escape the long arm of the law.”
Six suspects were arrested during the raid and are currently being interrogated.
According to sources within the security team, the cannabis was carefully packed in multiple sacks and hidden inside a residential building.
The successful operation was coordinated with the help of Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of the Administration Police, Gilbert Masengeli.
“The Deputy Inspector General of the National Police Service, Gilbert Masengeli, ensured the success of the operation after he coordinated the deployment of officers who ensured that everything went smoothly and that the main suspect was apprehended during the operation,” said Omerikwa.
He vowed that NACADA “will not rest until all traffickers, users, and distributors are brought to book.”
The raid came as residents prepared for the Jukwaa la Usalama forum—a government initiative aimed at encouraging public dialogue around security concerns.
The timing sent a strong signal of the government’s renewed commitment to tackling drug-related crime.
Many locals welcomed the news, praising the swift action and calling for ongoing enforcement.
Omerikwa called on members of the public to report suspicious activity and pledged full protection for whistleblowers.
“This fight requires unity. Together, we will reclaim our streets from the grip of narcotics,” he said.
Authorities have promised further investigations as they pursue links to a wider drug trafficking network in the region.
Cannabis sativa seized by NACADA during a raid in Kitale on July 28, 2025/SCREENGRAB
