Police Seize Bhang Worth Sh1.7 Million Hidden in Cassava Sacks in Busia
Police in Busia County have confirmed the seizure of 59 kilograms of bhang, valued at Sh1.7 million, during an operation targeting cross-border drug trafficking.
The substance was discovered hidden in two sacks of cassava inside a Fuso lorry carrying maize, according to Busia County Criminal Investigations Officer (CCIO) Wesley Lagat.
The arrest followed a tip-off from local residents, with Lagat stating the contraband was being transported from Uganda to Nairobi.
Two Suspects Detained at Suo Roadblock
Two suspects were detained at the Suo roadblock and are now facing charges related to possession and illegal transportation of the substance.
Lagat detailed the method of concealment, noting the bhang was carefully hidden inside cassava sacks to avoid detection during the journey.
Rising Trend of Bhang Trafficking
The seizure underscores a rising trend of bhang trafficking in Busia, attributed partly to porous border routes between Kenya and Uganda.
Lagat highlighted that security agencies have intensified patrols and operations to counter the surge, citing recent arrests of motorcycle riders suspected of facilitating drug transport.
Call for Public Cooperation
The CCIO reiterated calls for public cooperation, urging citizens to report suspicious activities to aid law enforcement. He emphasised that security forces are committed to dismantling the networks behind the illicit trade.
Broader Challenge
The incident adds to ongoing efforts by Kenyan authorities to combat drug-related crimes, with Lagat acknowledging the need for stricter measures to address the growing illicit trade.
The case also reflects broader challenges in securing Kenya’s borders against transnational criminal networks, particularly along the Busia crossing, which remains a key route for contraband moving between Uganda and Kenya.