Authorities in Kericho County have intercepted a major drug trafficking operation, seizing over 300 kilograms of bhang in a dramatic chase that has left police searching for the driver involved. The incident underscores ongoing efforts by Kenyan law enforcement to combat narcotics trafficking and ensure public safety.
According to the National Police Service, the operation began when officers attempted to stop a vehicle at Londiani Junction. The driver ignored police signals and accelerated, sparking a high-speed pursuit along the Kericho–Molo–Nakuru highway. During the chase, the suspect eventually abandoned the vehicle at Mau Summit and fled on foot, leaving the vehicle behind.
Upon inspection of the abandoned vehicle, officers discovered 69 bales of bhang weighing a total of 310.5 kilograms. The seizure represents one of the largest recent drug interceptions in the region and demonstrates law enforcement’s commitment to dismantling networks involved in illegal substance distribution.
Police have confirmed that a manhunt is underway to apprehend the driver, who remains at large. Investigators are appealing to members of the public with information regarding the suspect’s whereabouts to come forward and assist in the investigation. “We urge the community to support the police in ensuring the suspect is brought to justice. Drug trafficking is a serious crime that endangers lives and disrupts communities,” a senior police officer stated.
This latest seizure is part of a broader crackdown on narcotics across Kenya. Law enforcement agencies have increasingly targeted drug trafficking routes and networks that exploit major highways connecting counties, including those linking the Rift Valley, Nairobi, and Western regions. The Kericho–Molo–Nakuru corridor, in particular, has been identified as a hotspot for illicit drug movements, prompting intensified patrols and surveillance.
Community leaders have welcomed the police operation, noting that the presence of illegal drugs in the region poses significant risks to youth and the wider public. “This seizure sends a strong message that illegal activities will not be tolerated. It also highlights the need for continued vigilance and cooperation between residents and law enforcement,” a local elder remarked.
The National Police Service emphasized that the investigation will not only focus on apprehending the driver but also on identifying any collaborators involved in transporting and distributing the seized bhang. Authorities have pledged to pursue all leads diligently to prevent further incidents and maintain public safety.
Kenya has faced ongoing challenges related to narcotics trafficking, including the distribution of bhang and other controlled substances across urban and rural areas. Operations such as this one demonstrate a proactive approach to curbing drug-related crime, safeguarding communities, and upholding the rule of law.
The seizure of over 300 kilograms of bhang in Kericho represents both a significant operational success for the police and a reminder of the persistent threats posed by drug trafficking. Authorities continue to urge vigilance, community cooperation, and adherence to the law as efforts to combat illegal substances persist across the country.
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