Lamu-bound bus intercepted in Malindi as police seize cannabis haul
During the search, detectives uncovered two bulky bales of cannabis sativa concealed among bundles of second-hand clothes, an attempt police believe was meant to disguise the narcotics as ordinary luggage.
A passenger bus headed to Lamu was intercepted by anti-narcotics officers at Sabaki Bridge in Malindi after a significant haul of cannabis was discovered hidden in its luggage compartment.
The vehicle, a Tawakal Bus Service coach registration KDN 368W, was travelling from Nairobi towards the Coast when a multi-agency security team flagged it down for a routine inspection.
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During the search, detectives uncovered two bulky bales of cannabis sativa concealed among bundles of second-hand clothes, an attempt police believe was meant to disguise the narcotics as ordinary luggage.
However, the bust took an unexpected turn when a passenger suspected of being the owner of the illegal cargo made an escape moments before officers could react. A manhunt for the fugitive is now underway.
“We believe the suspect might not have gone far prior, but we are following strong leads that will lead to his arrest,” said a senior anti-narcotics detective involved in the operation, who requested anonymity due to the sensitivity of the case.
The bus driver and conductor were arrested at the scene and remain in police custody as investigators seek more information.
“This is part of a growing trend where traffickers use public service vehicles to transport narcotics, hoping to evade detection. We are now tightening surveillance along key transport corridors to disrupt such networks,” DCI said.
The seized cannabis has been taken in as evidence as part of ongoing investigations.
Police have urged transport operators to remain vigilant and report any suspicious luggage or passengers to curb the rising misuse of public vehicles in drug trafficking.
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