In a significant blow to drug trafficking networks in Kenya, the National Police Service (NPS) announced the recovery of 75 bales believed to be dried cannabis sativa during a targeted operation in Ambalo, located in the Sololo Sub-County of Marsabit County. The successful bust took place on Saturday, June 14, 2025, and resulted in the arrest of two suspects now in custody.
The NPS released an official statement confirming the operation was intelligence-led and part of its broader mission to curb the illegal drug trade across the country. “In line with the National Police Service (NPS) commitment to combating drug trafficking, police officers today, 14 June 2025, conducted a successful intelligence-led operation in Ambalo, Sololo Sub-County, Marsabit County,” the statement read.
Authorities say the suspects were intercepted while traveling in a vehicle that had been under surveillance. The operation began in Uran, where the vehicle was first identified, and extended toward the Marsabit-Moyale Highway.
After a focused pursuit, law enforcement successfully intercepted the vehicle, leading to the seizure of the cannabis and apprehension of the suspects.
This seizure highlights the growing concerns over drug trafficking in remote regions of Kenya, especially along cross-border routes. Marsabit County, situated near the Ethiopian border, is known for being a strategic transit corridor often exploited by traffickers moving narcotics between countries.
The NPS used this incident to reinforce its ongoing call to action for community support in its fight against narcotics. “The National Police Service reiterates its commitment to a drug-free society and urges the public to continue sharing information to support efforts in combating narcotics,” the statement concluded.
This latest operation underscores the importance of community intelligence, collaboration among law enforcement agencies, and ongoing surveillance in high-risk zones. While cannabis remains a heavily trafficked drug in Kenya, its cultivation, possession, and distribution without proper authorization remain illegal under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Control Act.
As investigations continue, this operation serves as a reminder of both the scale of the drug problem and the need for sustained efforts to address it at all levels—from local communities to national enforcement strategies.
