Written By Kelly Were
Authorities in Homa Bay County have seized bhang valued at over Sh5 million following a major sting operation targeting student hostels, in what officials are calling one of the largest narcotics busts in the region this year.
The early-week raid was conducted by a multi-agency team comprising officers from the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA), the Anti-Narcotics Unit (ANU), and the Administration Police.
The operation targeted an estate known to host a significant population of university students.
In addition to the large consignment of bhang, officers also recovered assorted cigarettes estimated to be worth Sh100,000. Two suspects were arrested at the scene and are assisting police with investigations.
“This operation is a clear warning to drug traffickers exploiting young Kenyans. We are closing in on you,” said NACADA CEO Anthony Omerikwa, who vowed to intensify the crackdown. “We will not allow our universities, institutions meant to nurture talent and shape the future, to be turned into breeding grounds for addiction and crime.”
The raid comes just weeks after NACADA released a report revealing worrying trends in substance abuse among Kenyan university students. According to the report, over 30% of students admitted to using cannabis, while nearly 40% reported regular use of alcohol and tobacco. The study also found that access to narcotics around campuses has risen sharply over the past three years.
NACADA says similar operations will be rolled out across the country in identified hotspots. Local authorities have pledged ongoing surveillance and urged students and residents to report suspicious activity to help dismantle the networks supplying drugs to learning institutions.
