Ali Sheikh
Mandera.
Police in Mandera North Sub-County have dealt a major blow to cross-border drug trafficking networks after seizing a cache of illegal narcotics and contraband in the remote Shatoley area of Rhamu town. The operation uncovered 700 rolled joints of bhang (cannabis) alongside other illicit items, highlighting the ongoing challenge of smuggling in Kenya’s northeastern frontier.
The National Police Service (NPS) confirmed the seizure in an official statement on Monday, noting that officers discovered the contraband while investigating an unrelated crime scene. “Our officers are working tirelessly to bring those responsible to justice. We will not relent in the fight against drug trafficking and other criminal activities,” the statement read.
Authorities recovered 700 processed cannabis rolls, approximately three kilograms of unprocessed bhang, and an unregistered motorcycle suspected of being used to transport the drugs across the rugged terrain. Investigators believe the haul was intended for local distribution in Mandera County and possibly smuggling across the porous Kenya-Somalia border, a route frequently exploited by organized cartels.
The motorcycle’s lack of proper documentation further underscores the challenges law enforcement faces in policing vast, under-patrolled areas. All items have been secured at a local police station pending forensic analysis and legal processing.
A manhunt is underway for the primary suspect, who fled the scene before officers arrived, leaving behind the incriminating evidence. Investigators are piecing together leads to trace the individual and dismantle the network behind the operation—a syndicate that, according to NPS officials, poses a serious threat to public safety and fuels insecurity in border communities.
This bust is part of intensified anti-narcotics operations in Mandera County. Similar raids in nearby Wajir just months ago recovered hundreds of kilograms of bhang, signaling a coordinated regional effort to curb the circulation of illegal substances that exacerbate youth vulnerability and insecurity in arid communities.
The NPS has urged residents in Mandera and surrounding counties to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity, such as unusual vehicle movements or gatherings in isolated locations. “The fight against narcotics requires a joint effort between law enforcement and the community. We encourage members of the public to share information that can help eliminate the circulation and consumption of illegal drugs,” the service said.
Local leaders have welcomed the seizure as a step toward safer streets, but experts stress that sustained cooperation between the community and police is critical to dismantling entrenched smuggling networks. Investigations are ongoing, with the NPS pledging to leave no stone unturned in safeguarding Mandera’s borders.