In a major anti-narcotics operation, police have successfully intercepted a substantial consignment of bhang (cannabis) cleverly hidden inside bales of second-hand clothes, known as Mtumba, on a bus headed to Lamu. The discovery thwarted an audacious attempt by drug traffickers to use a common public transport service as a conduit for illegal drugs.
According to preliminary reports from police sources, the operation was launched following credible intelligence about a planned drug trafficking operation on the route. Officers strategically stopped and searched the targeted bus. During a meticulous search, their attention was drawn to several Mtumba bales whose contents seemed inconsistent. Upon further inspection, they uncovered packages of compressed cannabis resin and leaf material seamlessly stashed within the folds of the used clothing.
“The ingenuity of drug traffickers knows no bounds, but neither does our commitment to eradicating this menace,” a senior police officer involved in the operation stated. “Using the Mtumba business, which is a lifeline for many, is a new low. We are now pursuing vital leads to apprehend the individuals behind this shipment.”
While the exact weight and street value of the seized bhang are still being quantified, officials have described it as a “significant haul” capable of serving a large number of users. The bus crew has been detained for questioning as investigations continue to uncover the source of the drugs, their intended recipients in Lamu, and the entire network behind the smuggling attempt.
This bust is the latest in a series of major drug interceptions in the country and highlights the ongoing focus of the National Police Service on disrupting supply chains, especially those targeting coastal regions. It serves as a stern warning to traffickers that their methods are constantly being monitored and countered.
The bus was escorted to a nearby police station for a more thorough forensic examination. We will continue to update this story as more details emerge from the authorities.
