Police Seize Vehicle with Cyanide and Explosives at Isebania Border

Officers at Isebania border have detained a vehicle carrying suspected hazardous chemicals and explosives believed to have been smuggled from Tanzania. The operation, carried out on Friday by Isebania Police Station staff in Kuria West Sub-County, focused on a white Toyota Probox suspected to have entered Kenya through the Nyang’iti border crossing. According to police records, the driver abandoned the vehicle and fled on foot after seeing officers signaling to stop. A search for the suspect is now underway. During the vehicle inspection, officers found 12 drums of sodium cyanide, each weighing 50 kilograms. They also located two cartons of V6 Explogel explosives. Police are continuing investigations to determine the origin and intended destination of the shipment. ‘We remain vigilant in securing our borders and protecting the public from dangerous and illegal shipments,’ the police report stated. Sodium cyanide is a highly toxic substance frequently used in gold mining to extract precious metals from ore. Despite its legitimate industrial uses, its handling and transportation are tightly controlled due to its deadly properties. Exposure can happen through inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact, and even minimal amounts can be fatal if not properly managed. V6 Explogel is a commercial explosive commonly utilized in quarrying, mining, and large-scale construction projects to break rock and soil. These developments occur as intelligence agencies remain on high alert after anti-terror police prevented a planned attack in Nairobi, reportedly linked to individuals suspected of Al-Shabaab affiliation. On Wednesday, February 18, the specialized police units stated that the operation disrupted the communication and logistical networks of the terrorists. During the raid, they detained 13 men at a hideout in Kajiado County. Additionally, they recovered five AK-47 assault rifles, one Makarov pistol with 24 rounds, 20 magazines containing 600 rounds of ammunition, and six hand grenades for close combat. Initial investigations indicate the suspects were allegedly planning attacks during the holy month of Ramadan, a period observed by Muslims globally through prayer and fasting in densely populated urban areas.