Machakos County security team confiscates bhang worth Sh6.9 million

In a major anti-narcotics operation, the Machakos County Security Intelligence Committee (CSIC) confiscated 200 kg of bhang (cannabis) worth about KSh 6.9 million. Kenya News+2K24 Digital+2 The haul was intercepted late at night inside a Toyota Wish that was being driven through Machakos Town, en route from Migori to Mbooni. K24 Digital+1
According to County Commissioner Josephine Ouko, the driver had multiple vehicle registration plates — six in total — which raised suspicions that the vehicle could be part of a larger smuggling or criminal syndicate. Kenya News Officers acted on a tip-off and tracked the vehicle from Mlolongo before stopping it in Machakos. KBC The bhang was reportedly in powdered form, leading authorities to suspect cross-border trafficking. KBC
Machakos security officials say they are tightening patrols and enhancing road checks, particularly targeting heavily tinted vehicles and transport routes used for illegal substance trafficking. Kenya News+1 Commissioner Ouko also disclosed plans to deploy sniffer dogs on local highways to strengthen interception efforts. Kenya News County Police Commander Patrick Lobolia revealed that some of the recovered number plates may have originated from stolen vehicles, and the security team is working with NTSA (the National Transport and Safety Authority) to trace their legitimate owners. Kenya News
The arrest of the driver has sparked calls for greater vigilance among vehicle owners, especially those involved in the car-hire business. Ouko urged such owners to install GPS trackers, verify client documents carefully, and report any irregular behavior. Kenya News Meanwhile, anti-narcotics and security agencies say they will sustain intelligence-led operations, warning traffickers that Machakos roads are no longer safe channels for drug smuggling.