In the shadowy underbelly of Nairobi’s suburbs, where everyday businesses mask sinister operations, Kenyan detectives have struck a decisive blow against narcotics trafficking.
What appeared as an ordinary butchery in Kasarani has been unmasked as a sophisticated front for peddling cannabis-laced snacking products, highlighting the cunning lengths dealers go to evade justice.
This dramatic raid not only netted a haul of drugs but also underscores the relentless efforts of law enforcement to safeguard communities from the scourge of substance abuse.
In their statement, detectives from the Transnational Organised Crime Unit (TOCU) and the Anti-Narcotics Unit (ANU) have arrested a Kasarani man who had turned a butchery into a clandestine drug outlet in an ongoing crackdown on narcotics trafficking
The suspect, Paul Mwangi Karanja, operator of East Butchery in the Marurui area, was apprehended after detectives acted on credible intelligence indicating that the premises were being used as a front to peddle cannabis while flying under the radar.
A raid of the butchery led to the recovery of a sizeable haul of narcotics, including 81 rolls of bhang, 18 cookies, 13 simsim rolls, and five small mabuyu containers, all laced with cannabis, an elaborate attempt to beat the system and evade detection.
During the operation, detectives also arrested a delivery rider, Willinton Nadwa, who was caught red-handed delivering 14 rolls of bhang at the premises.
In a similar operation, ANU detectives, acting on further intelligence, intercepted a Nairobi-bound matatu along the Nakuru–Nairobi Highway at a roadblock in Limuru, Kiambu County.
A thorough search of passengers led to the arrest of Judith Faith Oriende, who was found in possession of a brown suitcase containing three packages of bhang, neatly wrapped in yellow cellophane tape.
All the suspects are currently in custody, undergoing processing pending arraignment. The recovered narcotics have been secured as exhibits.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) remains committed to the fight against narcotics trafficking through intelligence-led operations across the country to dismantle drug networks and keep communities safe.
