Police officers in Nakuru county have uncovered a suspected cannabis plantation that had been concealed within a maize farm in what the National Police Service (NPS) described as a carefully orchestrated attempt to evade detection.
In a statement issued on Sunday after the operation, the NPS said officers from Kongoni Police Station acted on intelligence and raided a maize plantation in Moi Ndabi Village, where they discovered approximately half an acre of land under cultivation with suspected cannabis sativa, commonly known as bhang.
The service said the illegal crop had been strategically interplanted with maize to make the farm appear legitimate.
"What appeared to be an ordinary maize plantation concealed a carefully orchestrated attempt to hide suspected cannabis cultivation in plain sight," the NPS said.
According to the police, officers found the cannabis hidden among the tall maize crop during the intelligence-led operation.
"Acting on intelligence, the officers ventured into a maize plantation at Moi Ndabi Village, Kongoni Location, where, concealed among the towering crop, they discovered approximately half an acre of land under cultivation with suspected cannabis sativa (bhang)," the statement said.
"The illicit crop had been strategically interplanted with maize in a deliberate effort to evade detection by creating the appearance of a legitimate farm."
One suspect was arrested during the raid and is being held in police custody pending arraignment.
"One suspect was arrested during the operation and is currently in police custody pending arraignment."
The NPS said the discovery highlighted the increasingly sophisticated methods being used by offenders to conceal illegal activities.
"Criminal ingenuity knows few bounds, and yesterday's operation by police officers from Kongoni Police Station in Nakuru County served as yet another stark reminder of the lengths to which offenders will go to conceal illegal activities," the statement said.
The service reiterated its commitment to intelligence-led policing and community collaboration in combating crime.
"While offenders continue to devise increasingly sophisticated methods to conceal their illegal activities, the National Police Service remains vigilant through sustained intelligence-led policing, proactive operations and strong community partnerships, to ensure that criminal activities are detected and disrupted, and that those responsible are brought to justice."
Police urged the public to report suspicious activities through the nearest police station or the toll-free numbers 999, 911, 0800 722 203 (#FichuaKwaDCI), or via WhatsApp on 0709 570 000.
