The arrest followed a well-coordinated, intelligence-led operation by officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).
In a statement released on Monday, January 14, the DCI identified the suspect as Ephantus Kariuki Mwangi.
In a statement released on Monday, January 14, the DCI identified the suspect as Ephantus Kariuki Mwangi.
He was arrested while riding a motorcycle during what detectives described as a routine but alert surveillance operation.
According to the DCI, officers became suspicious after noticing luggage that Mwangi was carrying on his motorcycle.
According to the DCI, officers became suspicious after noticing luggage that Mwangi was carrying on his motorcycle.
The unusual packaging raised concerns among the ANU detectives, prompting them to stop and search him.
During the search, detectives recovered 397 grams of heroin that had been carefully concealed inside the luggage.
During the search, detectives recovered 397 grams of heroin that had been carefully concealed inside the luggage.
The drugs were believed to be ready for distribution within Nakuru and surrounding areas. Authorities estimated the street value of the seized heroin at approximately Ksh1.19 million.
In addition to the heroin, officers also recovered two syringes and needles, ten rolls of bhang, and three packets of cigarettes.
In addition to the heroin, officers also recovered two syringes and needles, ten rolls of bhang, and three packets of cigarettes.
The motorcycle Mwangi was riding at the time of arrest was also recorded as part of the investigation.
The DCI stated that preliminary investigations suggest the suspect was actively involved in supplying narcotics to users and dealers within Nakuru County.
The DCI stated that preliminary investigations suggest the suspect was actively involved in supplying narcotics to users and dealers within Nakuru County.
Mwangi was immediately taken into police custody, where he remains as detectives complete investigations.
Authorities confirmed that the suspect will be arraigned in court once investigations are finalized.
Reaffirming its commitment to fighting drug trafficking, the DCI said it will continue carrying out aggressive operations to dismantle drug networks across the country.
Authorities confirmed that the suspect will be arraigned in court once investigations are finalized.
Reaffirming its commitment to fighting drug trafficking, the DCI said it will continue carrying out aggressive operations to dismantle drug networks across the country.
The agency emphasized that it has zero tolerance for drug traffickers, regardless of their social or economic status.
“The DCI remains firmly committed to dismantling drug trafficking networks through relentless operations and multi-agency collaboration to ensure a safer, drug-free Kenya,” the statement read.
The arrest comes just days after another successful anti-narcotics operation in Diani, where a multi-agency security team arrested a woman suspected of drug trafficking.
“The DCI remains firmly committed to dismantling drug trafficking networks through relentless operations and multi-agency collaboration to ensure a safer, drug-free Kenya,” the statement read.
The arrest comes just days after another successful anti-narcotics operation in Diani, where a multi-agency security team arrested a woman suspected of drug trafficking.
During that operation, officers recovered large quantities of cannabis and impounded a vehicle believed to have been used in drug distribution.
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