Detectives have seized 170.8 kilograms of cannabis with an estimated street value of Sh5.1 million following a police chase that ended in a fatal road accident along the Malaba-Webuye highway.
The operation involved detectives from the National Anti-Narcotics Investigations Bureau (NANIB), Bungoma, working jointly with officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Webuye West.
According to the DCI, the detectives acted on credible intelligence and laid an ambush targeting a white Mazda CX-5, registration number KDY 338F, suspected of transporting narcotic drugs.
However, when the vehicle approached, the driver reportedly spotted the detectives and sped off, prompting a pursuit.
The chase ended tragically when the Mazda collided with a red TVS motorcycle, registration number KMFV 109F.
The motorcycle rider, identified as Muzungu Munialo, sustained fatal injuries in the crash, while the Mazda driver abandoned the vehicle and fled the scene.
Following the processing of the accident scene by traffic officers, detectives searched the abandoned vehicle and discovered suspected narcotics, prompting its transfer to the police station for further examination.
A comprehensive search at the station led to the recovery of 162 bales of cannabis wrapped in yellow cellotape, weighing 170.8 kilograms and valued at approximately Sh5,124,000.
Detectives also recovered an additional number plate, registration number KF2 8588, from the back seat of the vehicle. The plate is suspected to have been intended to conceal the vehicle’s identity.
The Mazda CX-5 and the seized narcotics have since been handed over to NANIB Bungoma for further investigations.
Meanwhile, the DCI conveyed its condolences to Munialo’s family, friends and relatives following his death.
The agency said detectives remain committed to tracking down the fleeing driver and dismantling the wider network suspected to be behind the drug trafficking operation.
Investigations into the incident are ongoing.
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