MAILI NNE, Uasin Gishu, July 29— Police officers in Uasin Gishu County intercepted a lorry carrying bhang worth more than Sh3 million during an early morning operation in the Maili Nne area, on Tuesday.
Two suspects were arrested while a third escaped on foot, prompting a countywide manhunt.
The early morning sting operation was led by Baharini Police Station officers and began at approximately 2 am after a tip-off from the community members.
They pursued the lorry and managed to intercept it around 4 a.m. near Maili Nne.
Upon searching the vehicle, police discovered 12 bags of bhang concealed in the cargo area.
Initial investigations revealed the drugs had been smuggled into Kenya from a neighbouring country and were destined for Likoni, Mombasa, for street-level distribution.
Two suspects arrested, lorry impounded
According to Service Commander Benjamin Mwanthi, two individuals were apprehended at the scene while a third suspect escaped and is currently being pursued.
The arrested suspects remain in custody and are set to be arraigned in court on Thursday.
Commander Mwanthi stated that police will seek legal authorisation to seize the vehicle, citing its use in a criminal enterprise.
“The lorry is thought to be part of a well-organised drug trafficking network. We are in the process of having it forfeited to the state.”
Police officials revealed a concerning trend: traffickers are increasingly using commercial trucks instead of private vehicles to transport narcotics.
“They think using lorries offers them cover, but we are adapting. Our priority is to intercept these vehicles before the drugs reach our youth,” Mwanthi said.
He added that law enforcement is working closely with the Truck Owners Association and its Secretary General to monitor truck routes and cargo.
“Some truck owners may be unaware their vehicles are being exploited. We urge them to inform us when trucks transit through Uasin Gishu.”
Mwanthi urged the judiciary to impose tougher sentences on drug offenders to deter trafficking. He also called on the public to report suspicious activities to authorities.
“Drug use is destroying young lives. We must act decisively,” he said.
To prevent the spread of drugs in learning institutions, Mwanthi encouraged school officials to collaborate with police during term openings.
“Deploying sniffer dogs in schools can help detect and deter drug infiltration,” he advised.
County Criminal Investigation Officer Daniel Muleli echoed the call for community involvement.
“Had these drugs reached Mombasa, they would likely have ended up in schools and neighbourhoods. We must unite to stop this threat before it destroys a generation,” Muleli said.
