The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) arrested four suspects including three Nigerians in the latest crackdown on drug traffickers and peddlers in Nairobi, Kenya.
In a statement, the DCI stated that the suspects were arrested in a joint operation spearheaded by Anti-Narcotics and Transnational Organized Crimes detectives.
DCI explained that one of the suspects, Igboke Okwuchukwu Stephen, was booked in by Anti-Narcotics (ANU) officers at the Muthaiga Police Station.
“The man had been found with several pellets of a brown powdery substance concealed in his house at Nasra Estate, Nairobi,” the statement read in part.
Moments later, 25-year-old Njuguna Karumo was also interrogated at DCI’s Mazingira Complex.
This was after similar substances were found hidden under the mats of his vehicle during a stop-and-search operation within Ruaka town.
DCI Arrests 2 Other Suspects
In a separate operation, the other two suspects were arrested in Nyamakima in Nairobi CBD.
The two, Ilo Ebuka Titus and Kanu Arinze were cornered and escorted to their residence at Sunton, Kasarani.
“On searching the house, suspected bhang and a package of brown powdery substance were found and seized,” DCI said.
Kanu and Ebuka were also taken to Muthaiga Police Station pending testing of the drugs and possible prosecution for use and peddling.
The operation, which extends to all counties is aimed at fighting the vice from the grassroot, with the police firmly enforcing anti-narcotic laws.
Also Read: DCI Nab Suspects Behind Nairobi’s Electronic Thefts
Cabinet Resolution on Fighting Drug & Substance Abuse
This comes at a time when the government is keen to fight drug and substance abuse in the country.
In a cabinet meeting on March 13, President William Ruto shut down 3,204 businesses in line with the ongoing nationwide crackdown on illicit Brews and Drugs.
“2,393 non-compliant premises, 359 pharmacies and chemists and 452 Agro-vets have been closed,” read part of the cabinet dispatch.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki had earlier announced that the government identified trade and abuse of illicit alcohol, narcotics, drugs, and psychotropic substances as one of the top five threats to the country’s security.
Also Read: Govt Shuts Down 3,204 Businesses Countrywide
The Cabinet endorsed measures adopted in the fight against illegal brews and narcotic drugs including a revocation of all bar licences issued by counties against the law.
“Other measures include a 21-day suspension of all the 52 licences and permits issued to manufacturers and distillers of second-generation alcohol and an audit of conflict of interest within the ranks of enforcement agencies,” the cabinet said.
The Cabinet further agreed that any public official against the fight against the fight of illicit brews and drugs will be violating Chapter Six of the Constitution and the laws on conflict of interest.