Police in Machakos County recovered a large quantity of suspected narcotics after a man abandoned a bag and fled during a routine patrol at Ekalakala Market.
The National Police Service said the incident occurred on January 23 when officers from Ekalakala Police Station identified a suspicious individual carrying a large bag.
“Upon spotting the officers, the suspect abandoned the bag and fled, evading arrest,” the police statement said.
A search of the abandoned bag revealed a significant haul of suspected narcotics, including 49 brooms and seven kilograms of suspected cannabis.
Officers also found 25 packets of rolling papers.
Investigations have been launched to trace and apprehend the suspect and any other individuals involved.
The National Police Service said it remains committed to maintaining law and order, adding that it will continue to carry out sustained patrols, intelligence-led operations, and swift responses to threats to public safety.
In a separate operation, detectives in Mombasa arrested two suspected drug peddlers following a raid in Utange, Mombasa County.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) said the suspects were found at a residential house in Barawa, Kisauni sub-county, fenced by a large perimeter wall.
“In a coordinated raid, officers drawn from the Anti-Narcotics Unit (ANU), the Transnational Organised Crime Unit (TOCU) and Kiembeni police station arrested the two, bringing their alleged trade to a halt,” DCI said.
The multi-agency team recovered several heroin sachets hidden in two bedrooms during a thorough search of the building. Further search revealed another package of heroin buried in a hole at a corner of the compound.
“By the end of the operation, officers had recovered 1,346 grammes of heroin with an estimated street value of Sh4,092,000, alongside a digital weighing machine and a drying machine, evidence of a well-oiled illicit business,” DCI said.
The two suspects are currently detained and await arraignment in court as authorities continue investigations.