Three suspected bhang peddlers have been arrested in Korr Trading Centre, Marsabit South sub-county of Marsabit County as the fight against the drug and substance abuse menace intensified in the region.
The trio were arrested last evening with 160 rolls and 2 kilograms of bhang following a tip-off from members of the public who reported the presence of strangers in the backyard of the trading Centre.
Korr location Chief Jeremiah Ntimo said the security agencies in the area acted promptly and arrested the three suspects who were also looking for a market for a motorcycle that they had used to travel to the remote area.
Chief Ntimo said wananchi became suspicious of the youthful visitors after they made an effort to sell the motorbike at a throw-away price of sh. 50,000.
“Wananchi, whom we have been sensitizing on community policing became suspicious when the strangers tried to sell the motorbike that looks new at such a low price,” noted the chief and thanked area residents for embracing the Nyumba kumi initiative.
He said that investigations concerning the motorcycle, registration number KMGD 965P, and the origin of the netted narcotics had started.
He added that the suspects identified as Ali Ibrahim, Ibrae Guyo, and Stephano Lekupes who were escorted to Laisamis police station would be arraigned in court soon.
The government has heightened the war on narcotics especially bhang and second-generation alcoholic drugs in Marsabit County.
The move has forced those involved in the illegal activities to relocate from major towns to rural areas.
A report released by the National Authority for the Campaign against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) indicates that the use of bhang in the country has increased to 90 percent in the last five years.
By Sebastian Miriti
