By Duncan Waswa
Authorities in Bungoma County have seized more than 350 kilograms of bhang with an estimated street value of KSh 9 million in a major drug bust along the Bungoma–Mumias highway in Watoya village, Bumula Constituency.
The narcotics, which were being transported under cover of darkness, were intercepted in a police operation carried out early Tuesday morning.
According to Bumula Deputy County Commissioner (DCC) Haddiah Abdallah, the seizure was made possible through the collaboration between law enforcement officers and local residents, who provided crucial intelligence leading to the successful operation.
“This is a major breakthrough in our efforts to rid this region of illegal drugs. We commend the public for their vigilance and cooperation with the police,” said Abdallah.
She urged residents to continue working closely with the police to root out drug trafficking and other criminal activities in the area.
“This fight cannot be won by the government alone. We need the public’s support to dismantle these drug networks that are ruining the lives of our youth,” she added.
The suspects, however, managed to escape during the operation, leaving behind the large consignment of cannabis. Security agencies are now pursuing leads to apprehend those involved in the illegal transportation.
Bumula OCPD Aggrey Makomere stated that preliminary investigations suggest the narcotics were being smuggled from a neighboring country, likely Uganda, and were possibly en route to major urban centers for distribution. However, the exact destination remains unknown as police continue their investigations.
“We suspect this consignment originated from Uganda. It is part of a broader trafficking network that uses rural routes to evade security checks. We are intensifying our surveillance along border areas and highways to prevent further inflows,” Makomere said.
He confirmed that the police are analyzing the evidence left at the scene to identify and apprehend the culprits behind the operation.
The seizure comes amid growing concerns over the rising cases of drug trafficking in western Kenya, with authorities warning of its far-reaching impact on public health and security.
Cannabis remains a prohibited substance under Kenyan law, and those found in possession or involved in its trade face severe penalties.
Local leaders and civil society groups in Bungoma have previously raised alarm over increased drug use among young people, linking it to school dropouts, mental health issues, and rising crime rates.
The Bungoma security team has reiterated its commitment to fighting drug-related crimes and promised sustained operations to curb trafficking along key routes.
“We want to send a clear message to drug traffickers that Bungoma is not a safe haven. We will pursue you relentlessly and ensure the law takes its course,” DCC Abdallah emphasized.
Meanwhile, residents of Watoya have applauded the police for the swift action and called for increased patrols in the area to prevent such incidents in the future. Many expressed concern over how easily such a huge consignment was transported through their village, urging authorities to heighten vigilance.
The seized drugs have been secured as evidence and will be used in the ongoing investigation and prosecution process once the suspects are arrested.
