Police arrest woman, recover Sh7.6 million suspected bhang

Detectives from the Anti-Narcotics Unit (ANU) of the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have arrested a woman in Malindi and recovered 255 kilogrammes of suspected bhang valued at Sh7.6 million.

The operation, conducted jointly with officers from Watamu Police Station, took place in the Jimba area, about three kilometres north of the station.

Police said they raided a residential house along Mwatela Road, off the Watamu–Gede Road, where a female occupant identified herself as Winfred Nkatha.

A search of the house led to the recovery of eight greenish sacks containing rolls of dry plant material wrapped in khaki paper, suspected to be narcotic drugs.

Officers also recovered a passport believed to belong to the suspect, who was later escorted to Watamu Police Station.

In a separate incident in Meru County, police arrested five Ethiopian nationals who were found abandoned in a miraa farm in Mutuati.

The individuals identified themselves as Deresa Mesela (20), Zinebu Adise (21), Sirebela Kabire (22), Neyima Tumuso (23) and Temeziniga Ashuro (21). They were taken to Kabachi Police Post and booked for being unlawfully present in Kenya.

Meanwhile, in Machakos County, two Swiss nationals were robbed at the Kaloleni area, a site known for water appearing to flow against gravity.

The tourists, Esther Gaechter and Elizabeth Zaech, told police they were approached by a group of young men in a Toyota pickup and a motorcycle.

They lost two iPhones, identification documents, and cash amounting to 40 euros and 150 dollars.

A joint pursuit by police and members of the public led to the arrest of three suspects, Joseph Kariuki Kanyi, Ronald Ngunyi and Amos Ngugi Njoroge, at Mutituni Market. The suspects were detained at Machakos Police Station.

In Busia County, police intercepted suspected illegal drugs during a routine patrol along the Mayenje–Bulanda Road.

Officers had flagged down a motorcycle believed to be carrying the narcotics, but the rider and pillion passenger fled on foot.

Police recovered the drugs in two consignments wrapped in yellow cello tape, suggesting they were intended for distribution. The exhibits and the motorcycle were taken to Busia Police Station for further analysis.