One arrested as detectives seize bhang worth Sh1.19 million in Meru, Kilifi

Detectives have seized cannabis sativa worth an estimated Sh1.19 million in separate operations in Meru and Kilifi counties, with one suspect arrested as two others escaped during a police interception.

In Meru County, detectives from Igembe North, working with officers from Laare Police Station, launched an operation after receiving intelligence that narcotics were being transported from Kangeta to Laare Township.

The officers mounted an ambush in the Mariri area, where they spotted an unregistered motorcycle carrying a passenger with two large sacks.

Police signalled the rider to stop, but he allegedly attempted to flee, prompting officers to give chase. The suspects later abandoned the two sacks and escaped on foot after diverting onto a footpath.

A search of the abandoned sacks led to the recovery of 36 bales of cannabis sativa weighing 24.695 kilogrammes.

The estimated street value of the seized narcotics was not immediately disclosed.

Meanwhile, in Kilifi County, officers at the Sabaki Bridge Vehicle Checkpoint intercepted another consignment during a routine inspection.

Police stopped a bus travelling to Lamu and directed passengers to disembark and present their luggage for inspection.

During the search, officers discovered two packages containing cannabis sativa concealed beneath seat number 34. The packages had been wrapped in khaki paper.

A 34-year-old passenger, Biko Ouma Omenda, was arrested in connection with the consignment.

Police recovered 15 kilogrammes of cannabis from the bus and handed the suspect and the exhibits over to detectives from the Anti-Narcotics Unit (ANU) in Malindi for further investigations.

Detectives are pursuing leads to identify and arrest the two suspects who escaped in Meru.