Mulembe Times, 14TH MAY 2025 5.12 PM
Suspected illicit substances and contraband cigarettes nabbed in Kisii and Homa Bay Counties. PHOTOS| COURTESY
NACADA arrests 10 suspects, seizes narcotics and contraband cigarettes in a multi-agency raid in Homa Bay and Kisii counties targeting illicit drug networks.
The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) has intensified its war on drugs with the arrest of 10 suspects in Homa Bay and Kisii counties, seizing a cache of illicit narcotics and contraband cigarettes in two coordinated crackdowns.
The swoop, conducted in collaboration with the National Police Service (NPS), Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), and the Anti-Narcotics Unit (ANU), was part of NACADA’s ongoing mission to dismantle drug networks deeply entrenched in communities across the Nyanza region.
Contraband Cigarettes and Narcotics Recovered
In Oyugis, Homa Bay County, two suspects were arrested, one of them found in possession of a substance believed to be cannabis sativa. Also recovered during the operation were 400 packets of Supermatch cigarettes and 14 packets of Oris cigarettes, all uncustomed and suspected to have been smuggled into the country illegally.
Authorities also recovered cash in multiple denominations, believed to be proceeds of the illicit trade.
“These cigarettes are believed to have bypassed customs clearance, constituting a serious breach of revenue and trade regulations,” NACADA said in a statement on Tuesday.
The suspects are currently being held at Oyugis Police Station as investigations continue.
Brooms Laced With Drugs, Sacks of Cannabis in Kisii Raid
The second raid, executed in Nyakongo Village, Kitutu Central Sub-county in Kisii County, targeted a rental residence suspected to be a distribution hub for narcotics. Authorities recovered an unusual item: 134 brooms, suspected to be soaked or laced with narcotic substances.
Additionally, the team found two 90-kilogram sacks of dried plant material, also believed to be cannabis sativa. Eight suspects were apprehended and remain in police custody as law enforcement agencies piece together evidence for upcoming prosecutions.
Larger Drug Network in Sight
This week’s arrests come just a month after NACADA dismantled a major drug distribution network linked to a notorious drug baron in Kisii County, which had been operating with impunity for years.
“These operations reflect NACADA’s continued strategic momentum in dismantling illicit drug networks across Kenya,” the agency noted, adding that similar operations would be rolled out nationwide.
The seized contraband not only threatens public health and safety but also causes significant tax revenue loss to the government. Authorities have sounded a stern warning to anyone engaged in such activities.
Ongoing War on Drugs
NACADA’s aggressive operations align with its broader national strategy aimed at reducing the supply and demand of illicit drugs. The agency has particularly focused its efforts on regions where drug abuse has been linked to rising crime, school dropouts, and youth radicalization.
“Our resolve remains firm. These arrests are a clear message to those profiting from the misery of others—your days are numbered,” said a senior NACADA official who participated in the operation.
Community Involvement Key
NACADA has also urged the public to support its anti-drug campaign by reporting suspicious activities and refraining from shielding known drug dealers.
“Community vigilance is essential. The fight against drugs is not just for the government, it’s for every citizen who wants a safer, healthier society,” the agency emphasized.
As investigations continue, the suspects are expected to face charges ranging from possession of narcotic drugs, illegal trade in contraband goods, to being part of a drug trafficking syndicate.
NACADA has reiterated its commitment to eliminating drug trafficking in all counties, calling on citizens to report suspicious activity anonymously through its toll-free hotline or via local police stations.
With more operations expected in the coming weeks, authorities warn that no one involved in the drug trade — regardless of their influence — will be spared.
