A major anti-narcotics operation in Likoni, Mombasa, has led to the seizure of 170 kilograms of bhang and the arrest of a suspected drug trafficker, in what authorities describe as a significant breakthrough in efforts to curb the illegal drug trade along Kenya’s Coast.
The operation was carried out by detectives from the Anti-Narcotics Unit of the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, working jointly with officers from Shelly Beach Police Station. Acting on credible intelligence, the team conducted a targeted raid in the Tonge Nyama area, zeroing in on a modest one-room rental house that had drawn suspicion.
At first glance, the residence appeared ordinary, blending into the surrounding neighborhood without raising alarm. However, investigators say it was being used as a storage and distribution point for narcotics. Upon searching the premises, officers uncovered a large quantity of bhang carefully concealed in two sacks and two Nigerian carrier bags, indicating a well-organized operation rather than casual possession.
The suspect, identified as 34-year-old Victor Ochanda Okuku, was arrested at the scene and taken into custody. Authorities believe he may be part of a wider network involved in the movement and distribution of drugs within the coastal region, though investigations are still ongoing to determine the full extent of his activities and possible accomplices.
The recovered narcotics have been secured as exhibits and are expected to form a key part of the prosecution’s case. Okuku is currently undergoing processing and is set to be arraigned in court, where he will face charges related to drug trafficking.
Law enforcement agencies have described the seizure as a major step in disrupting the supply chain of illegal drugs in Mombasa, a region that has long been identified as a transit and distribution hub due to its strategic coastal location. The operation also highlights the growing use of seemingly ordinary residential spaces as fronts for illicit activities, making detection more challenging.
Authorities have reiterated their commitment to intensifying crackdowns on narcotics, warning that individuals involved in the drug trade will face the full force of the law. At the same time, they are urging members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities, emphasizing that community cooperation is critical in the fight against drug-related crime.
As the case moves to court, the arrest and seizure in Likoni serve as a stark reminder of the scale of the drug problem and the continued efforts by security agencies to dismantle networks that threaten public safety and well-being.
