Police arrest 26 suspects in crackdown on illegal drug trade

Police officers in Nyakach Sub-County have smashed an illegal drug trade in upper Nyakach region and arrested 26 suspects.

The breakthrough comes barely four days after a man lost his life in the area after allegedly consuming illicit brew.

In a well-coordinated swoop in Sondu and Bodi markets in the afternoon, the officers also netted about 1000 rolls of bhang, several litres of illicit brews, as well as adulterated drinks that have been outlawed.

The suspects who were arrested include business owners who are said to have been colluding and have been supplying illegal drugs in the region.

There were cheers in Bodi market as the police lorry carrying the suspects and the haul of drugs left the market to Pap Onditi Police Station.

According to area OCPD Jonathan Koech, police had launched investigations over the issue after receiving complaints from residents.

“We received reports that there is a notorious person who has been supplying people with illegal drugs. We mounted an operation and managed to arrest some suspects,” said Koech.

The officer noted that one suspect, an owner of the haul found in Bodi managed to escape but officers are still on his trail.

During the raid, residents were treated to drama as some of the clients of the suspects struggled to get on their feet after being extremely intoxicated.

Residents lauded the swoop arguing that many young people have dropped out of school because of drug abuse. They also blamed illicit drugs for influencing young people to engage in cattle rustling.

Gladys Achieng, a resident, claimed that most women have now lost their husbands and sons to alcohol dens and urged police to continue with operations to end the drug trade.

“It is just last week, we lost a young man after consuming alcohol. It is saddening and it must not continue,” said Achieng.