A multi-agency enforcement team has intensified the fight against drug trafficking in Kiambu County after arresting a 27-year-old suspect linked to the sale of cannabis and cannabis-infused products in Ruiru Sub-county.
The operation, which was conducted on Tuesday, July 14, led to the recovery of suspected narcotic substances, including six brownish cakes believed to contain cannabis, 34 cannabis-infused cookies, 230 rolls of dry plant material suspected to be cannabis, and 12 sachets containing similar dry plant material.
Working on intelligence, the security crack team targeted two residential premises in Kahawa Wendani and Kahawa Sukari following complaints from members of the public over alleged sale of narcotic substances.
Edward Tito, a legal officer with the Consumer Protection Organization (CPO), said the operation was conducted through a coordinated effort involving the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA), the National Police Service, CPO, National Government Administration Officers (NGAO), and public health officials.
“One suspect was arrested at the second premises following a coordinated search conducted by the multi-agency team,” Tito said.
He said the operation aimed at dismantling illegal sale and distribution of suspected narcotic products and warned that similar crackdowns would continue in areas where credible information is received.
“This operation was intelligence-led and brought together several government agencies to disrupt the sale and distribution of suspected narcotic products. We will continue conducting similar enforcement operations wherever credible information is received,” he said.
The suspect was initially booked at Kahawa Sukari Police Station before being transferred to Muthaiga Police Station. He was later arraigned in court where he faces charges related to drug trafficking as investigations continue.
Tito further disclosed that enforcement teams had shifted focus to the Makongeni area in Thika Sub-county, where similar intelligence-led operations are underway.
Beyond narcotics, the CPO official raised concern over an emerging trend involving unscrupulous traders repackaging expired consumer goods and returning them to the market.
“We have noticed increasing cases of people repackaging and reselling expired drugs and food substances such as soft drinks, bread, flour and other fast-moving consumer goods found on retail shelves,” Tito said.
He urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities involving narcotics or unsafe consumer products, noting that public information remains critical in dismantling illegal trade networks.
The Consumer Protection Organization is a consumer rights advocacy body that works with government agencies to promote safe products in the market, protect consumers against unfair trade practices, and support enforcement efforts against counterfeit, adulterated, and unsafe goods.
By Rose Muthoni and Grace Naishoo
