A crackdown on narcotics trafficking in Kitui County has reportedly led to the arrest of two suspected traffickers after DCI officers intercepted separate consignments of cannabis sativa in incidents that exposed the increasingly creative methods allegedly used to move illicit drugs.
According to information released by the Directorate of Criminal Investigatios, one suspect was allegedly caught attempting to smuggle bhang into a police station disguised as food for a remandee, while another was intercepted with a large consignment during a security operation along the Thika–Garissa Highway.
Bhang allegedly concealed inside food parcel
The first incident unfolded at Kitui Police Station, where officers reportedly became suspicious of a parcel of rice that had been presented as a meal for a remandee.
The parcel was subsequently searched, leading to the discovery of 69 rolls of bhang and 33 matchsticks allegedly concealed inside the rice.
The suspect, identified as 24-year-old Dickens Tito, was arrested at the police station and placed in custody as officers commenced investigations.
The incident highlights the lengths to which suspected drug traffickers may go to conceal narcotics and move them past security checks.
Second suspect intercepted on busy highway
In a separate incident, a multi-agency security team manning a roadblock at Kanyonyoo along the Thika–Garissa Highway intercepted a Public Service Vehicle travelling from Kitui towards Embu.
Officers carried out checks on passengers and luggage before reportedly identifying a pink briefcase in the rear boot.
The briefcase was allegedly linked to 29-year-old Justice Kabila Njanja.
According to the information provided by authorities, officers opened the briefcase and discovered 13 bales of cannabis sativa, which had been tightly wrapped in yellow sealing tape.
Njanja was arrested at the scene and taken into custody as investigations continued.
The two incidents demonstrate the different methods allegedly being used to transport cannabis through Kitui, from concealing small quantities inside food to carrying larger consignments in luggage aboard public transport.
Kanyonyoo emerges as key security checkpoint
Kanyonyoo, located along the Thika–Garissa Highway, has featured in a number of recent security operations involving suspicious consignments.
In May 2026, the DCI reported the arrest of a suspected drug trafficker at the same roadblock after officers searched a passenger vehicle and recovered bales of cannabis sativa, alongside rolling papers and a digital weighing scale.
The location has also been the scene of other multi-agency interceptions involving suspected criminal activity, underscoring the importance of highway security checks in disrupting the movement of illicit goods.
DCI intensifies war against narcotics
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations says its Anti-Narcotics Unit is mandated to investigate drug offences, detect and prevent narcotics trafficking, apprehend suspected offenders and support prosecution.
The unit operates across the country, including at major highways, airports, borders and other entry and exit points.
Its stated objective includes disrupting major drug traffickers and dismantling trafficking networks.
Cannabis sativa, commonly referred to as bhang, is among the substances listed by the DCI under commonly abused drugs in Kenya.
Recent operations elsewhere in the country show that authorities have continued to use intelligence-led and multi-agency operations to target suspected narcotics networks.
In July 2026, for example, the DCI reported the seizure of more than 271 kilogrammes of cannabis in Nandi County after officers intercepted a vehicle believed to be transporting the illicit consignment.
In another operation reported in August, detectives said they arrested three suspected drug traffickers in separate operations in Homa Bay, Nairobi and Mombasa.
Suspects to face court
Following the Kitui incidents, the suspects remain in custody as investigations continue.
The seized substances have been detained as exhibits, with investigators expected to complete the necessary procedures before the suspects are presented in court.
Under Kenya’s narcotics-control framework, the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Control) Act provides the legal framework for offences involving narcotic drugs, including possession, transportation and trafficking.
The law was amended in 2022 to strengthen penalties and provide for the seizure and forfeiture of drugs and equipment connected to narcotics offences.
Authorities continue to urge members of the public to share information that may assist in disrupting narcotics networks.
The DCI has provided its Fichua Kwa DCI reporting channels, including the toll-free number 0800 722 203 and WhatsApp number 0709 570 000 for anonymous reporting.
As the investigations continue, the suspects are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty by a court of law.
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