Three arrested as NACADA seizes cannabis in Machakos operation

Three arrested as NACADA seizes cannabis in Machakos operation.Photo/Coutersy. 

The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA), in collaboration with other security agencies, carried out an intelligence-led anti-narcotics operation in Matuu Town, Yatta Sub-County, Machakos County, leading to the arrest of three suspects and the seizure of cannabis. The operation was conducted in the early hours of the morning following information linking the area to the sale and distribution of illegal drugs.

During the operation, officers targeted two separate locations within Matuu that had been identified through intelligence reports as drug distribution points. At the first location, law enforcement officers recovered 12 brooms of cannabis. A female suspect found at the premises was arrested, with authorities indicating that she was allegedly involved in the retail sale of the illegal substance.

At the second location, officers made a larger recovery after uncovering 360 small rolled units of cannabis and approximately 100 grams of dry cannabis plant material. Two additional suspects were arrested at the scene. The recovery indicated an organized effort to package and distribute the drug within the area and possibly beyond.

In addition to the cannabis, officers seized various items believed to be used in the preparation and packaging of the drug for sale. These included weighing scales, rolling papers, rizzlers, and other related paraphernalia. Authorities stated that the items recovered would be used as evidence as investigations continue.

All three suspects arrested during the operation were taken to Matuu Police Station, where they were booked pending further investigations and arraignment in court. NACADA confirmed that the suspects will be charged once investigations are completed.

Speaking after the operation, NACADA Chief Executive Officer Dr. Anthony Omerikwa said the raid was part of intensified nationwide efforts to curb the supply and distribution of narcotic drugs. He noted that the operation was conducted in line with the government’s commitment to dismantling drug networks and protecting communities from the harmful effects of substance abuse.

Dr. Omerikwa added that the Machakos operation followed another recent NACADA-led crackdown in Naivasha, where officers arrested a suspect linked to a known trafficker and seized a large quantity of cannabis. He said the consecutive operations demonstrate a strengthened and coordinated approach by NACADA and security agencies to disrupt drug trafficking networks across the country.

The NACADA boss emphasized that intelligence-driven operations will continue in various parts of the country as part of broader multi-agency efforts to reduce the availability of illegal drugs, particularly among young people who are most vulnerable to substance abuse.

Authorities stated that investigations are ongoing to identify and arrest other individuals connected to the drug distribution network operating in Machakos County and surrounding regions. They reiterated that NACADA and its partners remain committed to enforcing drug control laws and ensuring that those involved in the trafficking and sale of narcotics are brought to justice.