By Andrew Kariuki
Detectives have arrested a suspect linked to a stupefying and theft syndicate targeting unsuspecting revellers within Nairobi and its environs following an intelligence-led operation.
The arrest was triggered by a report lodged at Embakasi Police Station, where a complainant recounted being drugged after an encounter at a social joint in the city. The victim reported that after a pool game, he was approached and hugged by an unidentified woman, shortly after which he began experiencing dizziness. He later left the premises in her company before losing consciousness.
Upon regaining awareness, the victim discovered that several valuables had been stolen from his residence, including two laptops (HP and Lenovo), a Samsung S22 mobile phone, cash amounting to Ksh168,000, and jewellery valued at Ksh50,000.
Acting on forensic leads, detectives traced the suspect to the Kihunguro area in Ruiru, where Jane Wangare Ndungu was arrested at Havilla Apartments.
A search conducted at the premises led to the recovery of numerous suspected stolen items, including 40 assorted mobile phones, 14 laptops, and an iPad with a keyboard. Some of the recovered items were positively identified as belonging to the complainant.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspect is part of an organised criminal network that uses a stupefying substance commonly referred to as “michele” to incapacitate victims. The syndicate is believed to exploit this condition to steal valuables and obtain sensitive financial information, which is then used to facilitate further criminal activity.
The suspect has been booked at Embakasi Police Station as investigations continue to identify and apprehend other members of the network.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has urged members of the public to remain vigilant in social establishments and to promptly report any suspicious incidents to the nearest police station or through official reporting channels.
