Police officers in Kitui County have arrested one suspect and seized a significant quantity of narcotic drugs following a joint operation targeting a drug packaging den near Kitui Town.
According to a statement from authorities, the raid was carried out on April 2, 2026, after officers from Kitui Police Station received a tip-off about suspected illegal drug activities in the Ngiini area.
The operation was conducted in collaboration with officials from the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) headquarters in Nairobi.
“Acting on a tip-off, officers from Kitui Police Station, in a joint operation with officials from the NACADA Nairobi Headquarters, successfully raided a drug packaging den in the Ngiini area near Kitui Town,” the statement said.
During the raid, the multi-agency team conducted a thorough search of the premises, leading to the arrest of one suspect believed to be involved in the packaging and distribution of the narcotics.
Officers also recovered a substantial consignment of cannabis sativa, commonly known as bhang.
Police said the seized drugs were found in various containers and weighed approximately 35 kilograms.
In addition, officers recovered 5,600 rolls of bhang that were already prepared for sale, indicating what investigators believe to be a well-organised distribution operation.
“The team recovered a substantial consignment of Cannabis Sativa (bhang) in various containers weighing approximately 35kg and 5,600 ready-to-sell rolls,” the statement added.
Authorities also confiscated several items believed to have been used in the processing and packaging of the drugs. These included a digital weighing machine, rolling papers, and multiple plastic basins and sieves.
Investigators say the equipment points to an established drug processing setup within the premises.
In line with standard procedure, the suspect was taken into custody at Kitui Police Station, where they are currently being held pending further investigations and processing.
Police confirmed that the individual is expected to be arraigned in court once investigations are complete.
“The suspect was escorted to the station and placed in custody pending further police processing and arraignment in court,” police said.
Law enforcement agencies have reiterated their commitment to intensifying the fight against drug trafficking and abuse, particularly in regions identified as emerging hotspots for narcotics distribution.
“This operation underscores the unwavering commitment of the National Police Service to rid our neighbourhoods of illicit drugs and ensure the safety of our community,” the statement said.
The latest crackdown highlights ongoing efforts by security agencies to dismantle drug networks and curb the circulation of illegal substances, which authorities say continue to pose a threat to public health and safety.
Police have urged members of the public to continue sharing information that could assist in identifying and disrupting drug-related activities, emphasising that community cooperation remains a key component in the fight against narcotics.