Police have arrested two suspects and seized 110 litres of chang’aa following coordinated anti-drug operations in Kisumu and Machakos counties, as the National Police Service steps up its crackdown on illicit alcohol and narcotics.
The raids, conducted in collaboration with local administrators and members of the public, also led to the recovery of cannabis and other suspected illegal items. Authorities say the operations are part of a sustained push to shield communities from the dangers linked to drug abuse and unlawful brewing.
In a statement issued on Wednesday under the banner, “TOWARDS A DRUG-FREE NATION: OPERATION AGAINST ILLICIT DRUGS CONTINUES,” the service said its officers conducted coordinated raids that led to significant recoveries.
“Officers from the National Police Service conducted coordinated operations yesterday in Kisumu and Machakos counties, leading to the arrest of two suspects and the recovery of illegal alcohol and drugs,” the statement said.
In Kisumu County, officers focused their operation on Apondo Village. “In Apondo Village, Kisumu County, officers from Ahero Police Station, in collaboration with the area Assistant Chief, carried out a targeted raid.”
The raid resulted in the arrest of a female suspect and the seizure of several items believed to be unlawful. “One female suspect was arrested after she was found in possession of 110 litres of chang’aa, 70 rolls of a substance suspected to be bhang, one pair of military boots, and ten strip pieces suspected to be hippopotamus skin.”
Chang’aa is a locally brewed drink that is illegal when produced or sold outside the law, while bhang, a form of cannabis, is banned under Kenyan law. The reference to suspected hippopotamus skin could also point to possible wildlife offences, though police did not give further details.
Police confirmed that the woman is being held as she awaits court action. “The suspect was escorted to Ahero Police Station, where she is being held in custody pending arraignment in court.”
In a separate operation in Machakos County, officers moved in after receiving information from a concerned resident. “In Machakos County, officers from Kangundo Police Station conducted an operation at Syanthi Market in Kangundo Sub-County, acting on a tip-off from a concerned member of the public.”
That operation also led to an arrest and the seizure of suspected drugs. “One suspect was arrested in possession of two hundred rolls of a substance suspected to be cannabis sativa.”
Police explained how the drugs had been hidden. “The drugs had been concealed in two black polythene bags and hidden inside a black jacket.”
Authorities said the recovered items have been secured to aid investigations. “The items were seized as evidence, and the suspect was taken to Kangundo Police Station as investigations continue.”
The National Police Service reaffirmed its stand against the illegal trade in drugs and unregulated alcohol across the country. “The National Police Service remains firm and resolute in its fight against illicit drugs, alcohol, and all related criminal activities,” the statement said.
It added, “We will continue to take decisive action to uphold the rule of law, protect our communities, and safeguard public health and security.”
The twin operations in two counties point to a wider enforcement drive targeting drug distribution and illegal brewing at the local level. Police have increasingly worked with administrators and residents to identify suspects and disrupt such activities.
While the names of those arrested were not released, police confirmed that the Kisumu suspect is awaiting arraignment, as investigations continue in the Machakos case.
The latest crackdown forms part of ongoing efforts by authorities to address the social and health risks linked to drug use and illegal alcohol, with the service signalling that similar operations will continue.
