Heroin worth Sh1 million seized in bus bust on Mombasa–Nairobi Highway

Detectives have arrested a 38-year-old man and seized heroin worth approximately Sh1 million following an intelligence-led operation on a Nairobi-bound passenger bus along the Mombasa–Nairobi Highway.

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) said officers from the Transnational Organised Crime Unit (TOCU) intercepted the bus at Taru after receiving intelligence that narcotics were being transported from the Coast to Nairobi.

According to the DCI, detectives flagged down the bus and conducted a search that led to the arrest of the suspect, identified as Brian Tabu Owuor.

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"Acting on a tip-off, the detectives mounted an operation along the Mombasa–Nairobi Highway at Taru, where they flagged down the bus for a search," the DCI said.

The search led officers to Seat No. 29, where Owuor was seated. A brown travel bag in his possession was found to contain four sachets of heroin weighing a total of 300 grammes.

"What appeared to be an ordinary passenger screening quickly turned into a major narcotics bust. Seated at Seat No. 29, the suspect was found in possession of a brown bag that concealed far more than personal belongings," the DCI said.

Police estimated the street value of the recovered heroin at approximately Sh1 million.

In addition to the narcotics, detectives recovered Sh95,000 in cash, which investigators believe may be proceeds of crime.

The suspect was immediately arrested and is being held in police custody as detectives complete processing ahead of his arraignment in court.

Meanwhile, the recovered heroin and the cash have been secured as exhibits to support the ongoing investigation.

The DCI said detectives are continuing with investigations into the case as part of efforts to curb drug trafficking and dismantle networks involved in the illicit trade.

The seizure adds to recent anti-narcotics operations targeting the trafficking of illegal drugs along major transport corridors, with authorities urging members of the public to continue sharing information that could help combat organised crime.