Police in Marsabit have launched a manhunt for suspects involved in drug trafficking after bhang worth Sh16 million was seized at Oltorot in Loiyangalani sub-county
The 561 kilograms’ haul which police say was being transported in a water bowser lorry. Marsabit Central sub-county Police Commander Johnson Wachira said the drug was in 104 bales and disguised as clean water for distribution to local residents who are reeling under drought conditions.
The vehicle, a Hino truck registration KCC 583H was impounded on Wednesday morning by security officers who were acting on a tip off.
Wachira said that the lorry was impounded and abandoned along Arapal-Olturot road, about 10 kilometers from a nearby Anti-Stock Theft Unit (ASTU) camp and has since been driven together with the confiscated narcotics to Marsabit police headquarters.
The sub-county police commander said it was suspected that the driver and the occupants abandoned the vehicle after sensing that they were being followed by the police.
“A contingent of security personnel from different units serving in the area were pursuing the suspects after receiving information from members of the public about the bhang consignment,” said Wachira adding that intense investigations into the matter was in progress.
The destination of the bhang could not be immediately established as it became clear that the vehicle belonged to Gajaj Road Bridge Construction Company, reportedly from neighbouring Wajir County.
The case involving the illegal consignment believed to have been originated from a neighboring country has since been transported to Nairobi for enhanced investigations by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).
By Sebastian Miriti
