Two Nabbed as Detectives Seize Cannabis Worth Sh24.7 Million in Voi

By Vyshelle Andola

The Anti-Narcotics Unit (ANU) has intercepted a trailer transporting cannabis worth an estimated Sh24.7 million, leading to the arrest of two suspects in a major operation in Voi Township. The intelligence-led operation is being described as one of the largest narcotics seizures in the area this year.

Detectives from the DCI Anti-Narcotics Unit in Mombasa and Voi, working together with officers from Voi Police Station, intercepted a Scania truck with an attached trailer following intelligence reports. Upon inspection, officers recovered 825 kilograms of cannabis packed in 11 gunny bags concealed inside the vehicle.

The truck’s driver, Fredrick Otieno Ogode, and his accomplice, Edwin Ochieng Otieno, were arrested at the scene. The vehicle and the narcotics were seized as exhibits pending further investigations.

A senior officer from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Anti-Narcotics Unit said the seizure demonstrates the agency’s commitment to dismantling drug trafficking networks.

“This seizure is a testament to our resolve to break the chain of drug trafficking that poses a threat to communities throughout Kenya. We will persist in our efforts to intensify operations along major highways to make it more difficult for traffickers to transport illegal drugs,” the officer said.

Public Reaction

Kenyans expressed mixed reactions to the operation on social media.

One user wrote:

“DCI, focus on more serious cases like the attempted murder case involving the Kasarani OCS, the two murdered LSK lawyers, and the robbery along General Mathenge Drive. Hizi za bangi wachieni OCS to handle. We are tired of reading bangi updates on your timeline. Have you seen the FBI sharing bangi updates on their handles? Focus.”

Others praised the operation.

“This is good work; we must keep our youngsters away from drugs.”

Another commented:

“We hope justice will be served and not swept under the carpet.”

Some, however, questioned the broader fight against drug trafficking.

“If one consignment is being intercepted, how many more are going undetected?”

Another user added:

“They are always arresting the errand boys while the owners of the consignment remain free.”

The reactions reflected both support for the police operation and concerns about the wider scale of drug trafficking in Kenya.

Authorities say traffickers are increasingly using long-haul trucks and public service vehicles to transport narcotics across counties. Police have pledged to strengthen intelligence-led operations and enhance surveillance along major highways to curb the movement of illegal drugs.

The two suspects remain in police custody and are expected to be arraigned in court once investigations are complete. The recovered cannabis has been retained as evidence.

The operation highlights the growing efforts by Kenya’s anti-narcotics agencies to disrupt drug trafficking networks while underscoring the persistent challenge posed by traffickers who continue to exploit the country’s transport corridors.