Police in Marsabit County netted 2,540 kilograms of bhang with a street value of Ksh 45 million near Damballa Fachana trading centre along the Moyale –Isiolo highway.
Marsabit County Commissioner Paul Rotich said the truck was intercepted at the trading center but a manhunt was on for the driver and turn boy who fled when they were stopped by security police on patrol.
Rotich said the police intercepted the truck registration number KCR 003A that was headed towards Marsabit from Moyale for inspection but the lorry crew fled, raising suspicion.
The County Commissioner added that the truck was then driven to Sololo police station and upon inspection of the cargo on board, 65 bags of bhang of 36 kilograms each was found and it has been impounded.
Rotich said that contraband is suspected to have originated from a neighbouring country where it was smuggled into the country through panya routes on the border but that the destination was yet to be established.
“The security personnel are on high alert about smuggling of bhang and drugs into the country from a neighbouring country, a menace the government is keen at eradicating,” said Rotich adding that detectives were also looking for the owner of the truck to assist in investigations.
The County Commissioner warned transporters and traders against engaging in illegal trade and especially drug trafficking as those caught would be severely punished in accordance with the law.
Rotich said those engaging in drug trafficking risked losing their impounded vehicles to the State besides serving jail terms.
The County Commissioner also urged members of the public to support the war against drugs which he regretted was impacting negatively on the lives of the youth.
He said the on-going security operation in Marsabit County was aimed at dealing with drug trafficking and expressed satisfaction that the effort was bearing fruits.
