Police in Eldoret Nab Bhang Worth Sh3 Million, Two Suspects Arrested

 

Police in Uasin Gishu County have seized bhang with a street value of over Sh3 million after intercepting a lorry at Maili Nne area in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

According to County Police Commander Benjamin Mwanthi, officers from Baharini Police Station began tracking the lorry around 2 a.m. following a tip-off from members of the public. At approximately 4 a.m., the vehicle was intercepted with three occupants inside. Two suspects were arrested on the spot, while a third escaped on foot.

Inside the lorry, police discovered 12 sacks of bhang believed to have originated from a neighboring country and destined for Likoni in Mombasa.

Commander Mwanthi confirmed the two suspects are in custody and will be arraigned in court on Thursday. Authorities also plan to file an application to have the lorry forfeited to the government, stating it was used in the trafficking of illegal drugs.

"We are working closely with the Truck Owners Association and their Secretary General to curb this menace. Most truck owners may not be aware of how their vehicles are being misused. We urge them to communicate with us when their trucks are passing through Uasin Gishu so we can inspect any suspicious activity," Mwanthi said.

He noted that traffickers have shifted tactics from using posh vehicles to larger transport trucks. “As they change their methods, we also adapt. We will now focus more on lorries,” he added, calling on truck drivers not to be complicit in the drug trade.

Commander Mwanthi further appealed to the judiciary to issue strict penalties to drug traffickers and asked the public to report any suspicious behavior. “Let’s protect our youth. Bhang destroys lives and futures,” he said.

He also urged school administrators to partner with police in using sniffer dogs during school openings, particularly in secondary schools and universities, due to growing concerns over drug penetration in learning institutions.

County Criminal Investigation Officer Daniel Muleli echoed the sentiments, calling on residents to be vigilant. “This bhang could have ended up in the hands of school children or young adults. Let’s join forces to end this menace before it destroys the next generation,” Muleli said.