Officers intercept Kenya-bound Tanzania bus, seize cannabis worth Ksh2.5M
By Nancy Marende, January 20, 2026Kenyan authorities have seized 84 kilograms of cannabis from a Kenya-bound bus from Tanzania following a coordinated multi-agency operation at the Namanga one-stop border post.
According to a statement by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) on Monday, January 19, 2026, the operation was carried out by a team drawn from the Anti-Narcotic Unit (ANU), the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), and the Police Dog Unit.
The officers intercepted a bus during what appeared to be a routine border check.
However, the inspection quickly took a dramatic turn after sniffer dogs deployed at the scene detected suspicious packages concealed within the bus.
Acting on the dogs’ alert, officers conducted a thorough search and discovered four tightly wrapped bundles hidden inside the vehicle’s fuel chamber.
The bundles contained 84 packets of cannabis weighing a total of 84 kilograms, with an estimated street value of Ksh2.5 million.
Following the discovery, the bus driver and the conductor, both Tanzanian nationals, were arrested at the scene.
“The duo is currently in custody, undergoing processing pending arraignment. Meanwhile, the bus and the recovered narcotics are being detained as exhibits,” read the statement.
Further, the DCI said the interception underscores the government’s firm commitment to combating cross-border drug trafficking through intelligence-led operations and strong inter-agency collaboration.
Elgeyo Marakwet
This comes shortly after a person of interest was arrested in Elgeyo Marakwet County after police intercepted a vehicle carrying a large quantity of bhang.
The operation took place along the Dry–Naiberi Road and was led by officers from Metkei Police Station.
According to the National Police Service (NPS), officers acted on credible information and swiftly intercepted the vehicle in the Kapchorwa area. During a thorough search, they found seven bags of bhang concealed inside the vehicle.
“Officers attached to Metkei Police Station in Elgeyo Marakwet County yesterday received credible information regarding a vehicle suspected of transporting bhang along the Dry–Naiberi Road. The officers responded promptly and proceeded to the area, where they successfully intercepted the vehicle in the Kapchorwa area. A thorough search was conducted, leading to the discovery of seven bags containing suspected bhang concealed inside,” NPS stated.
The individual driving the vehicle was immediately taken into police custody. Investigations are ongoing, and the person of interest is expected to be arraigned in court soon.
Authorities said the operation demonstrates the police’s continued commitment to fighting the trafficking of narcotics and other illegal drugs, highlighting their vigilance in keeping communities safe.
“The driver was immediately arrested and taken into police custody, pending further investigation and subsequent arraignment in court. This operation underscores the National Police Service’s continued commitment to vigilance and decisive action in combating the trafficking of narcotics and other illicit drugs.”