Two suspects have been arrested and more than 600 rolls of suspected cannabis seized following an intelligence-led operation targeting drug trafficking in Kware area of Embakasi South Sub-County in Nairobi.
The operation was conducted on Tuesday afternoon by officers from the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) with support from the National Police Service after residents raised concerns about alleged drug activities near a school.
Authorities said members of the public had reported a suspected drug distributor operating near Tuimani Kindergarten School, located next to a Kenya Assemblies of God church in the area.
Residents warned that the presence of a suspected drug peddler near the learning institution posed a serious threat to children and young people.
Acting on the intelligence, a multi-agency team led by NACADA raided a shop and a nearby residential house believed to be used as a base for the distribution of illegal drugs.
During the operation, officers reportedly found two suspects inside the premises preparing and rolling plant material believed to be cannabis, commonly referred to as bhang, for consumption and sale.
“A search of the premises led to the recovery of 680 rolls of bhang along with additional plant materials suspected to be narcotic substances that were ready for further processing and sale,” NACADA said in a statement.
The two suspects were immediately arrested and escorted to Kware Police Station where they are currently being held as investigations continue.
Authorities said the recovered substances have been secured and will be presented as exhibits in court once the suspects are formally charged.
Speaking after the operation, Anthony Omerikwa, the Chief Executive Officer of NACADA, praised members of the public for providing information that led to the successful raid.
“Our determination to ensure that communities remain safe from drug lords and their associates continues in earnest,” Omerikwa said.
“NACADA will do whatever it takes to bring them down and protect our communities,” he added.
He noted that the authority is particularly concerned about drug-related activities taking place near learning institutions, saying such environments expose children and youth to harmful substances at an early age.
“We are particularly concerned when such activities occur near learning institutions because our goal is to promote a society where children and the youth can grow and thrive in a drug-free environment,” he said.
Omerikwa also emphasized the importance of community cooperation in combating drug trafficking and substance abuse, urging residents to continue reporting suspicious activities to authorities.
Officials said the operation forms part of a broader nationwide crackdown on drug peddling and substance abuse.
NACADA said enforcement efforts will continue in Kware and other areas across the country as authorities intensify measures aimed at protecting families and safeguarding communities from the effects of illegal drugs.