Officers from the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (Nacada) have arrested two individuals with 435 rolls of bhang in Mtwapa, Kilifi County.
This was during a crackdown on Saturday February 10, 2024 by Nacada officers in conjunction with police officers on drug dealers at Mtwapa market.
According to the police report, the bhang originated from Migori County.
One of the suspects is a notorious bhang seller in the coastal region who is among the most wanted drug dealers in the region.
The second suspect is also a notorious drug dealer with links in Kilifi and Malindi.
READ ALSO: 750 liters of ethanol seized during crackdown in Kiambu
Several motorcycles were apprehended during the crackdown, as they were being used to transport bhang and other illicit substances in the coastal region.
In addition, area residents lauded Nacada in the fight against drugs, adding that the move will save school going children from the dangers of bhang.
Speaking during the incident in Mtwapa, Nacada CEO Dr Anthony Omerikwa confirmed that the consumption of bhang had risen by 90 % in the region.
He explained that about 1 million Kenyans smoke bhang.
The incident comes two days after Nacada officials on February 7, 2024 seized 750 liters of ethanol during a crackdown in Ruaka, Kiambu County.
READ ALSO: Kirinyaga residents burn down liquor store for selling illicit brew
This was during a multi-agency operation involving officers from the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) and the National Police Service.
“Operating on intelligence, the team also recovered over 40 empty drums with a capacity of 250 liters each, suspected to have contained the ethanol and which is suspected to have already been ferried for illegal activities,” Nacada noted in a statement.
Nacada took the initiative, after an incident in Kirinyaga County where 13 revelers tragically lost their lives while others are still receiving treatment after consuming what is suspected to be illicit alcohol.
Story by Brian Barasa, TV47 correspondent
