Police in Mathira have arrested a middle-aged woman and recovered cannabis sativa valued at Sh165,000 from her house in Kaiyaba.
The suspect, identified as Caroline Wambui, was arrested on Friday during a multi-agency operation led by Mathira-West Deputy County Commander, the Sub-County Police Commander Musyoki Ndwiko, the Sub-County Criminal Investigations Officer, and National Government Administrative Officers.
Ndwiko said the raid followed a tip-off from members of the public. Officers discovered the drugs packed in carrier bags and khaki envelopes within the suspect’s home.
“We raided a home belonging to the suspect and recovered about 50 kilograms of cannabis sativa stashed in empty water tanks. The suspect is now in police custody and will be charged in court for possession of drugs,” Ndwiko said.
He warned drug dealers and peddlers operating within the sub-county to cease illegal activities, noting that security teams would intensify crackdowns to flush them out.
“I am appealing to the public to continue providing information so that we can ensure a safe environment for our children and future generations,” he added.
The seizure comes amidst heightened security operations targeting drugs, illicit brews, and counterfeit liquor in the county. Last Thursday, a multi-agency operation led by Central Regional Commissioner Joshua Nkanatha impounded 150 crates of suspected counterfeit alcohol at a bar in Micha Trading Centre, Ruring’u, Nyeri town.
The operation involved officers from the National Police Service, Directorate of Public Prosecution, Kenya Revenue Authority, Kenya Bureau of Standards, National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse, and the Anti-Counterfeit Authority.
Nkanatha said the joint initiative is part of the government’s accelerated 100-Day Rapid Results Initiative (RRI) announced by President Dr William Ruto on December 31, 2025, aimed at tackling alcohol and drug abuse and criminal gangs decisively.
“This operation is ongoing across the country. In the Central Region, we are taking the lead to ensure full implementation of the Rapid Results Initiative. We have conducted similar activities in Kiambu and Murang’a, and today in Nyeri, we see significant progress. By the end of the RRI period, this region will be free of these vices,” Nkanatha said.
He added that while the RRI is set for 100 days, efforts will continue beyond the period to ensure that all individuals circumventing the law are arrested and arraigned.
Nkanatha revealed that intelligence has already identified three people involved in the production and sale of counterfeit beer in Nyeri, warning that their days are numbered.
“This is one of the major counterfeiters. Substandard beer is poisonous, and we are coming for those responsible. Anyone unwilling to comply with directives should step aside and allow those committed to implementing the law to act,” he stated.
By Wangari Mwangi
