Kilifi woman in court over Sh7.6m bhang haul

A 29-year-old woman has been arraigned before the Malindi Law Courts after police recovered 255kg of cannabis sativa valued at about Sh7.65 million during an intelligence-led operation in Kilifi county.

The suspect was presented in court where she pleaded not guilty to drug trafficking charges linked to the large consignment.

The court granted her a surety bond of Sh2 million with no option of cash bail. The matter will be mentioned on April 23 for pre-trial directions.

According to investigators, the arrest was carried out in the Jimba following a targeted operation by detectives from the Anti-Narcotics Unit (ANU) based in Malindi.

The officers worked together with their counterparts from Watamu Police Station after receiving what they described as credible intelligence about suspected drug activities.

Police said the team raided a residential house along Mwatela Road, off the Watamu–Gede Road. Upon entering the house, officers found the suspect inside.

A search of the premises led to the discovery of eight sacks containing rolls of dry plant material wrapped in khaki paper. The substance was suspected to be cannabis.

The suspect and the recovered items were then escorted to Watamu police station for further processing. Authorities confirmed that the substance was weighed and sampled.

The consignment is estimated to have a street value of Sh7.65 million, making it one of the notable drug seizures in recent times.

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) said the operation is part of ongoing efforts to fight drug trafficking in the country.

“The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) reiterates its commitment to dismantling drug trafficking networks and safeguarding communities from the harmful effects of narcotics,” the agency said.

The DCI also urged the public to play a role in addressing the problem by sharing information with authorities.

“Members of the public are encouraged to continue sharing information to support the fight against the vice,” the statement said.

The case now proceeds to the next stage as investigators continue with inquiries into the source of the drugs and possible links to wider trafficking networks.

Authorities have maintained that collaboration between the public and law enforcement remains key in detecting and preventing such crimes, especially in areas identified as transit points for illegal drugs.