Police officers in Lugari, Kakamega County have arrested a suspected drug peddler and recovered 20 kilograms of Cannabis sativa (bhang) with a street value of Sh.200,000.
Confirming the arrest, Lugari Deputy County Commissioner Jeremiah Tumo said the suspect was apprehended early Monday following a tip-off from members of the public.
Tumo said, “Today early in the morning, officers from Lumakanda police station received a tip-off from members of the public that there is a suspect ferrying cannabis sativa in a small Daihatsu motor vehicle.
“They acted swiftly and laid an ambush in Turbo along the Eldoret-Webuye road. On seeing the police officers and sensing danger the suspect tried to evade the police dragnet and sped towards Turbo town.
“The officers gave chase and caught up with him a few metres from Turbo market where he had packed in a bid to avoid arrest.
“Upon searching the vehicle, the officers discovered 20 kilograms of cannabis sativa in its boot. On interrogation the suspect tried to resist arrest pretending to be a passenger.
“However, the officers subdued him and a perusal of the documentation obtained from the vehicle confirmed he was the driver.”
Tumo revealed that they suspect the culprit is a notorious peddler and the impounded package was the last one out of the large consignment he had sold between Busia, where he was coming from and Lumakanda.
He said the impounded car has a code name – Sibuor 004 – written on it meaning there are many similar vehicles being used by the cartels to ferry narcotics targeting and destroying the lives of the youths.
He said the suspect is undergoing processing and will be arraigned in court on Tuesday.
He warned drug peddlers and illicit liquor traders that the security apparatus has intensified surveillance along the highways to eradicate the vice.
He said, “Our officers are now on high alert; hence, your days are numbered. We are engaging members of the community to ensure we receive information promptly. We have activated our community policing and the Nyumba Kumi units.”
“The two groups have teamed up with the chiefs, their assistants and the village elders in the fight against drugs and illicit brew menace in the subcounty. We warn these cartels that they must stop the business immediately.”
He commended the Lugari police officers for upscaling the war against drug trafficking saying it is in tandem with the Rapid Result Initiative the government commenced from January 9 to April 20, aimed at eradicating drug and alcohol abuse and the rising gang culture countrywide.
By Melechezedeck Ejakait
