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NACADA has arrested a suspect believed to be linked to a major drug trafficker and seized a large quantity of cannabis in Naivasha as part of efforts to disrupt narcotics distribution networks in the area.
The afternoon raid was conducted by a multi-agency security team led by NACADA, working alongside the National Police Service and National Government Administration Officers.
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Officials said the operation was in line with a Presidential directive calling for an intensified nationwide crackdown on alcohol and drug abuse.
Addressing the media at the scene, NACADA Chief Executive Officer Anthony Omerikwa said the suspect is a close associate of a well-known drug kingpin operating within Naivasha.
The arrest followed weeks of surveillance and intelligence-led operations that led officers to a residential estate, where the suspect was apprehended.
“This operation marks another step in our sustained fight against drug traffickers who are harming our communities,” Omerikwa said, noting that the arrest follows another major breakthrough by the authority in the same town.
He revealed that NACADA recently arrested a large-scale cannabis trafficker in Naivasha who is currently in custody awaiting a court ruling after being found with drugs valued at more than Sh5 million.
According to Omerikwa, the latest arrest has dealt a major blow to what he described as a well-organised trafficking network.
He attributed the success of the operation to strengthened inter-agency cooperation and the use of credible intelligence.
“We are actively pursuing two more major drug kingpins in this town,” Omerikwa said, adding that intelligence reports indicate their operations span at least four neighbouring counties.
He warned other individuals involved in the illegal drug trade that the focus has shifted from small-scale dealers to dismantling entire trafficking networks.
“NACADA is now targeting drug lords, their associates and financiers,” he said, adding that aggressive asset seizure and forfeiture to the state will continue as part of the crackdown.
Residents welcomed the operation, expressing relief over the arrest and seizure. Several community members said drug trafficking had become a growing problem in the area.
“Our youth are suffering because of these drugs, and the dealers have been operating without fear,” said Mary Wanjiru, a community elder. “We hope more arrests will follow to protect our children.”
The suspect remains in custody and is being processed for arraignment in court on charges related to narcotic drug trafficking. The seized cannabis, estimated to be worth millions of shillings, has been secured as evidence.
Authorities said the operation underscores the government’s intensified war on drugs, with a renewed focus on dismantling supply chains and targeting high-level players in the narcotics trade.
